Local school children celebrated onboard new Islay ferry as CMAL art competition winners announced

Eight young artists from Islay and Jura have been recognised as winners of CMAL’s school art competition.  As part of a community event, hosted on Thursday, 21st May, the students were invited on board the MV Isle of Islay to see their artwork proudly displayed.

CMAL competition winners with artwork

The competition was launched by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) ahead of the arrival of the two new Islay ferries, inviting pupils from local schools to create island-inspired artwork celebrating their communities, culture, landscapes and maritime heritage.

Pupils from Bowmore Primary School, Port Charlotte Primary School, Small Isles Primary School and Islay High School took part in the competition, which was open across four age categories: primary 1-3, primary 4-7, senior 1-3 and senior 4-6.

Six of the winning pupils and their families attended the event, where they were invited on board the new vessel for a special ceremony where their artwork was officially unveiled alongside CMAL, CalMac and community representatives. Four pieces of winning artwork will now be displayed across each of the two new vessels—MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal, once it enters service later this year—creating a lasting connection between the ferries and the island communities they will serve.

The eight winners also received an art set and a gift card prize during the ceremony in recognition of their creativity and contribution to the project. The overall winner, Arria of Islay High School, received the opportunity to choose a local charity to receive a £1,500 donation from CMAL via their school.

Overall compeition winner - Arria from Islay High SchoolArria’s winning piece

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive officer at CMAL, said:

“The competition gave young people across the islands the opportunity to play a part in welcoming the new ferries into service while showcasing their creativity and talent. It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm from pupils and schools, with their artwork set to be enjoyed by passengers and crew for years to come.”

The winning entries were created by:

  • Alfie, Bowmore Primary School (P1-3)
  • Natalie, Port Charlotte Primary School (P1-3)
  • Ryan, Bowmore Primary School (P4-7)
  • Grace, Primary 3, Small Isles Primary School (P4-7)
  • Arria, Islay High School (S1-3)
  • Kara, Islay High School (S1-3)
  • Millie, Islay High School (S4-6)
  • Pheobe, Islay High School (S4-6)

CMAL CEO Kevin Hobbs presents competition winners with prizes onboard the MV Isle of Islay

CMAL CEO Kevin Hobbs presents competition winners with prizes onboard the MV Isle of Islay

Lynn Mitchell, Head Teacher of Islay High School said:

“Taking part in this competition has been a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to celebrate their creativity while feeling connected to an important project for the local community. Seeing their artwork displayed onboard the new ferry has given them a real sense of pride and achievement, and we are especially proud that one of our pupils was chosen as the overall winner. The accompanying charity donation, which the school will now be able to direct to a local cause, will make a meaningful difference within the wider community.”

Terry Williams, CalMac’s area manager for Kintyre, said:

“This is a really special way to recognise the creativity of young Ileachs and passengers have told us that they have enjoyed seeing the artwork on display when they come on board. It’s also great for the pupils to see their pictures in pride of place when they travel with us. Well done to everyone who took part.”

The competition formed part of CMAL’s wider community engagement activity linked to the introduction of the new Islay ferries, which are being built to improve connectivity and resilience on the Islay route.

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