Names for new Western Isles ferries put to a vote

An illustration of the design of the new ferries

Names for new ferries for CalMac's Little Minch routes in the Western Isles have been put to a public vote.

The ships are among four being built to the same design and specification at a shipyard in Turkey.

The other two vessels - already named MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal - are being constructed for CalMac's Islay service.

Ferries procurement body CMAL said the Little Minch vessels were due for delivery in the second half of 2025.

Two shortlists of names, inspired by the landscape and history of Harris and North Uist, have been produced. Voters can select one name from each group.

The shortlisted names are:

Group one:

• Eubhal - The highest hill in North Uist

• Eilean Dorcha - A Gaelic name given to Benbecula, meaning Dark Island in English

• Claymore - The word comes from Gaelic's claidheamh mòr meaning "great sword" and a name used for previous vessels

• Orasay - A tidal island in South Uist and a bay in North Uist

Group two:

• Pioneer - A historical name previously given to iconic vessels, including one that served similar routes in the mid-1980s

• Scotasay - A small island just off the east coast of Harris

• Clisham - The Western Isles' highest mountain and located in Harris

• Lochmor - A historical name previously given to a vessel that served ports of the Little Minch

The vote is open until midnight on 18 December.

Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop, said: “It’s good to see the potential names for both Little Minch vessels all have strong connections to local landmarks and Scottish heritage."