GOUROCK-BASED ferry operator CalMac has announced plans to retire one of its oldest vessels later this year.

MV Hebridean Isles has served west coast communities since her maiden voyage in December 1985.

She initially served the ‘Uig triangle’ between Skye, Harris and North Uist, but has mainly operated between Kennacraig and Islay in recent years alongside MV Finlaggan.

This route will be covered by the new MV Isle of Islay – the first of four new major vessels being built in Turkey – when she enters service later this year.

A second vessel, MV Loch Indaal, will join the route from early 2025.

MV Hebridean Isles’ time as part of CalMac’s fleet will come to an end in November ahead of the company's planned ‘rapid modernisation’ by 2026.

Fleet management director Craig Ramsay said: "Vessels become a part of the fabric of the island communities they serve, and CalMac colleagues and islanders, particularly on Islay, will be sorry to see the Heb Isles exit the fleet after a long period of service.

“That's why we are keen to mark her departure in some form come November."