A public vote to name the two new ferries that will serve the Isle of Harris and North Uist has been launched.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) wants the public to help them new the vessels that are expected to be delivered to CalMac in June and October 2025.
CMAL owns the vessels and has produced two groups of names inspired by the landscape and history of the Outer Hebrides islands that they will serve from Uig on Skye.
Voters are tasked with selecting one name from each group, with the two most popular names given to their sister vessels.
The shortlisted names in Group A are:
- Eubhal – The highest hill on North Uist.
- Eilean Dorcha – A Gaelic name given to Benbecula, which means ‘Dark Island’ in English.
- Claymore — The word ‘claymore’ comes from the Gaelic Claidheamh Mòr, meaning ‘great sword’ and is a historical name previously given to CalMac vessels.
- Orasay —A tidal island in South Uist and a bay in North Uist.
Meanwhile, in Group 2 voters will be able to choose from:
- Pioneer – Another historical name previously given to CalMac vessels, including one that served similar routes in the mid-1980s.
- Scotasay – A small island just off the east coast of Harris.
- Clisham – The highest mountain on North Harris and in the Outer Hebrides.
- Lochmor – A historical name previously given to a vessel that served the Little Minch’s ports.
The public will able to cast their votes at cmassets.co.uk/vote from Thursday until midnight on Monday December 18 2023.
CMAL chief executive, Kevin Hobbs said: “The two new vessels for the Little Minch routes will be a welcome addition to our fleet – however, they are currently nameless.
“We have compiled a strong list of names, each having a connection to the islands these ships will serve. I look forward to seeing which ones prove most popular amongst the public.”
Once the vessels are delivered from the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Turkey, they will serve the Tarbet (Harris)-Uig and Lochmaddy (North Uist)-Uig routes.
The 94.8-metre vehicle and passenger ferries will be designed and built to the same specification as the two new vessels for Islay and will replace the single vessel service currently serving the Uig Triangle.
The steel cutting of the first Little Minch vessel took place in May and it both vessels have been designed to optimise freight and passenger accommodation.
They are expected to have the capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles.
Minister for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, added: “It’s good to see the potential names for both Little Minch vessels all have strong connections to local landmarks and Scottish heritage.
“I would encourage people to cast their votes to ensure the new vessels have suitable titles for when they formally join the fleet serving the Clyde and Hebrides.”