Local school children from the Isle of Harris and North Uist have been given the chance to have their artwork displayed onboard the two new ferries, MV Lochmor and MV Claymore.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has launched an art competition inviting pupils to take inspiration from their island surroundings, with eight winning designs to be displayed onboard the vessels set to serve their island communities.
Pupils from four local primary and high schools are being invited to take part: Sir E Scott School (primary and secondary), Leverhulme School (primary), Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath (primary) and Sgoil Lionacleit (secondary).
The competition is open to students in four age categories: primary 1-3, primary 4-7, senior 1-3, and senior 4-6. Submissions for the competition will be accepted until Friday 27 November, with winners set to be announced in December.
The eight winning pupils will be invited onboard each of the vessels during the introduction ceremonies to see their artwork on display. They will also receive an art-related prize, which will be awarded during the ceremony, with one overall winner having the opportunity to select a local charity to receive a £1,500 donation from CMAL, arrange through their school.
Chris Kane, Executive Assistant at CMAL, said:
“Following the success of the art competition for the Islay vessels, we’re looking forward to seeing the creativity of the young people from Harris and North Uist and how they capture what makes their island special.
“These new ferries will play an important role in connecting island communities for years to come, so it’s fitting that local young people have a chance to put their own stamp on them. Their artwork will be a lovely way to celebrate the islands and the people the vessels will serve.”
MV Lochmor and MV Claymore are expected to be delivered in 2027. The new vessels will bring increased vehicle and freight capacity on the Little Minch route, as well as bolstering resilience across the wider fleet.
Submissions for the competition will be accepted until Friday 27 November, and the winners will be announced in December.