Loch Seaforth

The new £43-million MV Loch Seaforth has commenced round-the-clock voyages on the Stornoway to Ullapool crossing.

Since Sunday night, the 7,800 tonne ferry is the designated service ship for the Minch route.

She is undertaking three commercial trips a-day across the Minch, including an overnight freight run.

For the last seven weeks, the state-of-the-art 118-metre long ship has gradually phased-in towards full service.

The Scottish Government is to fund the extra cash required to allow her predecessor, ferry, MV Isle of Lewis, to remain crewed and on stand-by over the summer as back-up.

The present freight vessel, MV Clipper Ranger, is also due to be available for a period.

Around £70 million has been invested in the new Stornoway ferry service between upgraded piers on each side of the Minch and the new-build vessel.

Round-the-clock voyages for MV Loch Seaforth

1 April 2015