Turkish Delight – an impression of the first of four sister ships built for Islay and the Little Minch services


Isle of Islay arriving at Oban after sailing from Kennacraig via Port Askaig and Colonsay

After a delayed delivery from her Turkish builders, Isle of Islay has now settled down into what will, hopefully, be a long career serving the island she was named after. John Newth sailed on her recently on one of the twice-weekly services from Oban, via Colonsay, to Port Askaig, and then on to Kennacraig.

Saturday 9 May saw an early morning departure from home for the two-hour drive round Loch Fyne to Kennacraig. The plan was to leave the car there, use buses to head north to Oban, and then sail back to Kennacraig on CalMac’s newest acquisition, mv Isle of Islay.

The Glasgow bus arriving while Lord of the Isles lies at Kennacraig

On arriving at Kennacraig we were able to witness the arrival of Lord of the Isles, due to replaced at some point in the fairly near future with a new ship able to access the tight confines of Mallaig Harbour.

Soon afterwards the bus from Campbeltown arrived, which would provide a link for those wishing to head to Glasgow. We were using it to get to Lochgilphead, from where we took another bus to reach Oban.

Our time in Oban was spent enjoying the sunshine and witnessing the arrivals and departures of many various CalMac ships going about their business. Loch Frisa was heading out of the Bay on her 1125 service to Craignure, and shortly afterwards Isle of Arran – her running mate on the Mull service – arrived on the 1105 sailing.

A hub of activity: Loch Striven arriving from Lismore, with Isle of Arran about to sail to Craignure while Glen Sannox loads for Barra

Not far behind Isle of Arran – built for the Arran service back in the early 1980s – was Glen Sannox – also built for the Arran service and launched in 2017. Her story since then has been well documented, and does not require further repetition here, suffice to say that she was arriving not from Ardrossan, but from Castlebay, where she has found temporary employment due to the delayed return of Isle of Lewis from her annual docking at Aberdeen.

With both Isle of Arran and Glen Sannox occupying their respective berths at the former Railway Pier, Loch Striven – first of a quartet of smaller ferries built some four decades ago – arrived from Lismore, an island she has been serving for the past decade or so. Her arrival further delayed the departure of Isle of Arran’s late-running 1215 service: she finally got away at 1245.

The spacious car deck, which can accommodate around 100 cars with both mezzanine decks in use

With ‘Arran’ off to Mull, Isle of Islay made her appearance at 1315, rounding the north end of Kerrera and entering the Bay to wait for Glen Sannox to depart for Barra.

When ‘Sannox’ left on time at 1325, Isle of Islay moved forward and took her place at No 2 berth.

After discharging the small amount of traffic that she had brought from Islay and Colonsay, we were invited to board via the car deck.

Heading up to Deck 5 – the lowest of the three decks available to passengers – via the ‘Green Stair’ on the port side, we began to explore the new ship. Access into the accommodation is via an entrance at the forward end of the open deck, just past the gangway gate on that side. The entrance hall is a small area with bench style seating, and behind a partition, a luggage storage area. Paintings are mounted on the aft bulkhead, and a security door leads into the crew accommodation. Crossing the entrance hall to the starboard side, you find the landing for another stairwell leading down to the vehicle decks (the ‘Blue Stair’), or up to Deck 6. There is a small ramp on the deck here, which could be slightly disconcerting the first time you encounter it.

The entrance hall looking over to starboard

Looking forward on Deck 5 with the central stairway

Heading forward into the accommodation proper, Ladies and Gents toilets are located immediately to your left, while on your right opens out an area fitted with reclining seats. In the centre of the ship is the Childrens’ Play Area, featuring a small image of an elder fleetmate on the bulkhead.

Looking aft on Deck 5 with the central stairway

The central area of this deck is taken up with comfortable seating, laid out in a fashion that is uncluttered, and well lit. On the port side is the dedicated Pet Lounge, as well as a lift (the ‘Purple Lift’) at the aft end, and another stairway (the ‘Purple Stair’) down to the car deck at the forward end. Right at the front of this deck is a small area overlooking the forward mooring deck, though all you can really see is the feet of any of the crew out there!

A nod to a predecessor features in the play area

The limited view of the forward mooring deck

Just aft of this area the central stairway takes passengers up to Deck 6, which is where the Mariners cafeteria and retail outlet is to be found. There is plenty of seating available on this level, and those at the forward end have wonderful views over the bow. Along each side on both Deck 6, and on Deck 5 below, large areas of glass let in a lot of natural light and give both spaces a light and airy feel. Also located on Deck 6, situated on the starboard side, is the small Quiet Lounge.

The central stairway leading up to Deck 6 and the Mariners cafeteria

The retail area and Mariners servery

Large panoramic windows provide good views forward on Deck 6

The small Quiet Lounge on Deck 6

A doorway at the aft end on the starboard side takes passengers outside to a stairway leading up to Deck 7. A large area is marked out for helicopter operations, and an area for smokers is designated by red lines painted on the deck. The exterior seating here appears to be of a similar type to that found outside on Glen Sannox, although finished in a natural light silvery colour rather than the bright red of the older ship. Contained within the starboard funnel casing – wider than the one on the opposite port side – is an emergency generator, and a lift that runs down all the way to the car deck. Following the colour coding theme adopted nowadays on board many ferries, this one is the ‘Orange Lift’.

Enjoying the sun on Deck 7, which boasts 84 seats

On Islay Isle of Islay is initially only able to serve Port Askaig

Once loading was completed, the stern ramp was raised – it appears to be incredibly slow – and the outer part moved to a position more suitable for our next port (it, on the other hand, slides very quickly). And then we were off, heading round the north of Kerrera again and turning southward towards Colonsay.

Isle of Islay is a quiet ship, fairly smooth but with a pervasive rumble throughout. It is a slight vibration, not so much a ‘rattle’ as a gentle ‘throb’. The sailing itself, from Oban to Colonsay and Port Askaig, was uneventful, as was the continuation on to Kennacraig.

Heading down the Sound of Islay as Lord of the Isles sets out from Port Askaig

So, first impressions of Isle of Islay…. A pleasant experience on board a modern ship, nicely laid out with good access and facilities for passengers. There is a decent amount of open deck space, and although no forward-facing open deck, the massive windows overlooking the bow allow for excellent views ahead, not just for those lucky enough to be able to grab seats right at them. Unlike many of the other additions to the fleet over recent years, there is no enclosed access for foot passengers. That said, boarding at the berths that the class will generally be using does not offer much protection either, with traditional gangways (albeit modern aluminium versions) giving no cover during inclement weather.

Speaking to some of her crew, they seem pretty well pleased with her. She reportedly handles well, and is well fitted out for their needs. Like any new ship, she will have a few teething problems, but hopefully these will be ironed out over the next few weeks and months, and any practical experience garnered will result in minor alterations if required on the three subsequent ships.

Open wide! Isle of Islay nearly finished for the day

Safely moored at Kennacraig, Isle of Islay rests after her day’s duties are over

John has been a member of CRSC for many years, and served as President for the 2006-7 session. He also compiles Scottish Ferry News which keeps members up-to-date with recent events. Paid up members of CRSC can access Ferry News here.

Published on 12 May 2026