MV Finlaggan

MV Finlaggan was built in Gdańsk for the Kennacraig - Islay route. Launched on 30 June 2010,[1] she arrived in Scotland in May 2011. During trials, she developed engine problems, forcing cancellation of the inaugural sailing.[5] She had further problems with her bow doors,[6] requiring withdrawal from service for overhaul of her hydraulic systems in Birkenhead.[7][8]

Finlaggan is of Ro-Ro design with bow and stern ramps. She is the first CalMac ship to have "clam shell" bow doors, which open sideways.[4] The car deck is partially open at the stern and has a mezzanine deck capable of transporting an additional 18 cars.[1]

She has three passenger decks, two with external panoramic seating. There are a restaurant, shop, and two disabled lifts serving all decks. Entering through doors on the car deck, stairs provide access to a lounge with a bar/coffee shop, games room and baggage storage. A further staircase, with a statue in the middle, goes to an upper deck which has the cafeteria, a lounge with dog areas, a children's play area and televisions.[9]

Finlaggan has been on the Kennacraig – Islay route since 2011, partnering MV Hebridean Isles. She replaced MV Isle of Arran, which moved back to Arran as the second vessel. During the winter months, Finlaggan often relieves on the Uig Triangle, such as for MV Hebrides' overhaul in 2013 and 2015.[1][10]

Finlaggan and Hebridean Isles are due to be replaced by two new identical vessels currently being built in Cemre Shipyard, Turkey at the cost of £91 million.[11] The first vessel, MV Isle of Islay, is expected to be delivered in October 2024, and the second, MV Loch Indaal, in early 2025; both entering service after sea trials and crew familiarisation.[12] Finlaggan is expected to be cascaded elsewhere in the network once her replacement arrives, however the route is still to be confirmed.[13]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to MV Finlaggan.

• MV Finlaggan on www.calmac.co.uk
• Image on the Mersey
• Pictures during construction