Ferry open day

Ferry open day attracts over 3,000 people

13 February 2015

Over 3,000 people explored inside the new MV Loch Seaforth during an open day yesterday.

The initial estimate of 1,500 visitors was doubled after figures were counted.

Hordes of visitors were impressed with their first peek inside the MV Loch Seaforth.

Islander Cathie Macleod was delighted with the ship.

She said: “We’re enjoying ourselves today. I think the ferry is wonderful - big, airy and clean. There’s a big café and everything’s really nice.”

The interior layout reminded Jane Oliver of a cruise liner.

Mrs Oliver said: “The ferry is great. I really love it. Its open plan and fresh with lots and lots of seating.”

What stood out for her is “it’s all sort of integrated and you can pass from one place to the next. It means, if you’ve got children then they‘re not too far away as everything is open plan - that’s what I like about it.”

Left: Craig Ross, 17, said: “Everything is open and new. The facilities all look good.”

Seventeen-year-old Yvonne Crichton said: “I like this ferry - its a lot better than the old one because of how new it is and everything is all clean and nice.”

The central open plan layout with a small, quiet lounge to the side is also an improvement, she added.

Right: Three young pals gave the ship a big thumbs up as they enjoyed the view from the large windows in the ship’s upper forward deck.

Caitlin Macleod, 7, had fun exploring the vessel which was “big and nice.”

Six-year-olds Rebecca Campbell and Daniel Macdonald both agreed they liked the airline style seats giving an ocean view.