Isle of Islay heads to Inchgreen after her delivery voyage from Turkey
The new edition of CRSC’s Scottish Ferry News documents movements of the CalMac fleet during the first two months of 2026, a year starting with the hope of a change in the company’s fortunes with the delivery of the first of four ships being constructed in Turkey.
The completion and handover of the first of the class being built by the Cemre Shipyard at Yalova was a cause for celebration, when Isle of Islay joined the CalMac fleet on Thursday 15 January. She left the builder’s yard a week later and set sail initially for Catania in Sicily, where she took on fuel, before continuing westward to Gibraltar. Arrival there was on Sunday 1 February, and two days later set off again. However, with atrocious weather in the Atlantic she spent the next few days hove to off the North African coast. Shortly after she had left Gibraltar she had rescued a person adrift at sea, whom she later turned over to the Moroccan authorities before heading to Almeria in Spain, where a crew change took place and further bunkers were taken on. She continued her passage towards Scotland on Saturday 14 and succeeded in reaching La Corunna in northwest Spain two days later. From there she sailed to the Clyde, eventually reaching Greenock on Sunday 22, a month after leaving Turkey.
Isle of Islay heading to Inchgreen
Seen here at Wemyss Bay, Coruisk relieved Bute on the Rothesay service during January and February
Closer to home, Bute spent much of the period off service while new generators were fitted at Dales yard in Greenock – Coruisk took her place on the Rothesay station while the work was carried out.
Overhauls continued apace, with Caledonian Isles being attended to at Greenock, Clansman at Aberdeen, which was followed there by Isle of Lewis. Glen Sannox continued her guarantee drydocking at Birkenhead, her return to the Arran service being delayed due to additional remedial work being undertaken.
With Clansman back in harness, Hebrides was able to leave the Uig triangle for refit at Leith.
Awaiting her turn in drydock, Loch Shira lies alongside at Troon on 19 January
Of the smaller ships, Loch Bhrusda headed to Troon for overhaul early in January, and by the end of the month had relieved Loch Portain on the Sound of Harris, while the latter moved to Greenock for docking.
Loch Fyne left the Fishnish service mid-January once Lochinvar had been relieved by Loch Tarbert on the service to Portavadie, and then relieved Loch Shira at Largs, while Loch Ranza paid her annual visit to Ardmaleish during January.
Following engine repairs at Rothesay, Loch Buie was able to go back to the Iona service, relieving Loch Riddon which then took over at Kilchoan.
Pictured from Loch Fyne, Catriona paid a visit to Largs for repairs early in February
With so many movements taking place amongst the small vessel fleet, it was not surprising to find that some routes were covered by chartered tonnage, notably the Kilchoan service which was served by Highest Apple and Miss Marley, with chartered vessels also taking Mallaig-based sailings on occasion. All the details can be found in the latest edition of Scottish Ferry News, compiled for, and made available to Club members, by John Newth.
Scottish Ferry News covers all known movements by members of the CalMac fleet in January and February 2026. Like previous editions, it is available only to paid-up CRSC members.
If you wish to read this authoritative update on Clyde and West Highland ferry movements, and have not yet joined CRSC (introductory membership for the first year with full benefits: £15), click here.
Published on 21 March 2026