MV Hebridean Isles makes her final journey

The MV Hebridean Isles, often known as the “Heb Isles”, departed Scotland on her final voyage yesterday, and is making her way to Smedegaarden A/S recycling yard in Esbjerg, Denmark.

The vessel, owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) and operated by Calmac, joined the service in 1985. She was a valued member of the ferry fleet across the west coast of Scotland, where she served for nearly 40 years. 

Originally designed for the Skye Triangle (Uig, Lochmaddy and Tarbert), the Heb Isles served passengers all over the network during her life. In 2001 she took over the Kennacraig–Islay route, and also operated between Ardrossan and Brodick, Ullapool and Stornoway, Wemyss Bay and Rothesay. She additionally spent time providing relief cover on the Northlink route between Scrabster in Caithness and Stromness in Orkney.

Following her retirement, she was moored at King George V dock in Govan, where decommissioning work took place to reclaim many of her parts. These will be used to support the rest of the CalMac fleet.

The Heb Isles was towed from the Glasgow dock by a harbour tug and was transferred to sea-going tug, Pegasus, in Greenock yesterday afternoon.

She is now travelling South through the English Channel and onwards to Denmark.

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL, said:

“The MV Hebridean Isles was a familiar sight across the west coast of Scotland, where she served for nearly 40 years. Following her retirement we have carried out a complex process of decommissioning and salvaging many of her parts, to support the rest of the fleet. We wish her well on her final journey and thank her for her many years of service.”