SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed MV Glen Sannox’s entry to service in the CalMac fleet. The vessel, which carried her first passengers yesterday between the mainland and Arran, has also undergone berthing trials which would allow her to operate out of several Hebridean ports, if needed in future.
There were many challenges which caused significant delays to the completion of MV Glen Sannox and her sister ship MV Glen Rosa, which is now due to be handed over to CalMac in September of this year.
Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:
“It is encouraging to see this new major vessel enter service this week, marking a significant step forward in delivering the resilience our west coast ferry network has been lacking in recent years.
“The MV Glen Sannox is the first of six new major vessels due to enter service by 2026. There is also a full renewal of the small vessel fleet planned by 2030, with the construction of at least ten new small vessels, including replacements for the vessels operating on the Sound of Barra and Sound of Harris . The Scottish Government is continuing to invest heavily in new vessels and port infrastructure in order to achieve the consistent and reliable ferry services all our islands deserve.”