The new Stornoway ferry, MV Loch Seaforth, is undergoing engine trials off the Western Isles as she patiently awaits a date for commencing the Stornoway to Ullapool service.
The £42 million vessel cannot berth in her home port of Stornoway until works to install new fenders are finished.
The MV Loch Seaforth is laid up on the Clyde until a set of new, stronger fenders are installed.
Any gales in January will delay the weather dependent project further.
The 7,800 tonne vessel was due to start in the summer but that was repeatedly delayed.
The last date given was December 20th which was postponed to an unspecified time in the future.
She ventured out off Greenock on Boxing day for a few days of what is called sea and engine trials which saw her steam long distances with no port to go.
The vessel headed up the Hebridean coast to the Butt of Lewis. She also sailed south through the Irish Sea and south of Dublin.
On Sunday, the vessel coasted through the Sound of Mull, around the Western Isles and Skye.
She meandered in a figure-
► “Unforeseen challenges” delay ferry start
Ferry trials
28 December 2014