Western Ferries celebrates naming of two new vessels

Western Ferries (Clyde) Limited has marked a major milestone in the development of its fleet with the official naming of its two new car and passenger ferries, MV Sound of Scalpay and MV Sound of Sleat.

The vessels were named today, 23 September 2026, during a ceremony at Balaena Birkenhead, attended by representatives and guests of Western Ferries and Balaena, together with the two vessels’ sponsors.

MV Sound of Scalpay was named by Sandra Anderson, wife of Western Ferries Ship Master Michael Anderson, who has been with the company since 1980.

Margie Shields, partner of Western Ferries Technical Director Graeme Fletcher, who joined the company in 1999, named MV Sound of Sleat.

Their involvement reflects the strong connection between the new vessels and the people who have helped shape Western Ferries over many years.

Balaena was awarded the contract to build the two ferries in May 2025. The vessels build on the successful design of MV Sound of Seil and MV Sound of Soay, constructed at Birkenhead in 2013 and now firmly established as part of Western Ferries’ four-vessel fleet.

The new 50-metre, double-ended ferries will each be capable of carrying up to 40 cars and 220 passengers and will operate on Western Ferries’ Hunter’s Quay–McInroy’s Point service between Dunoon and Gourock.

While based on the proven design of their predecessors, MV Sound of Scalpay and MV Sound of Sleat incorporate a number of improvements designed to reduce fuel consumption, increase operational efficiency and enhance the experience for passengers and crew.

Their addition to the fleet represents a significant investment by Western Ferries in the long-term resilience and reliability of the service.

James Denham, Chairman of Western Ferries, said:

“The naming of a new vessel is always a very special occasion and today is an important milestone for everyone at Western Ferries.

“We are delighted to have reached this stage of the journey and, particularly, to be here celebrating it together with the many people who have played a part in bringing MV Sound of Scalpay and MV Sound of Sleat to life.

“Our relationship with the Birkenhead shipyard stretches back to the construction of MV Sound of Seil and MV Sound of Soay in 2013. Those vessels have served Western Ferries and our passengers extremely well, so it is particularly fitting to return here for the next chapter in the development of our fleet.

“A tremendous amount of work, skill and commitment has gone into constructing  these two new ferries. I would like to thank everyone at Balaena, our own team at Western Ferries and all those involved in their design and construction for getting us to this very proud moment.

“I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Sandra Anderson and Margie Shields for agreeing to sponsor the vessels. Their connections to Western Ferries through Michael and Graeme, who between them have given many decades of service to the company, make their involvement today especially meaningful.

“MV Sound of Scalpay and MV Sound of Sleat represent a significant investment in the future of Western Ferries. More importantly, they represent our continued commitment to our employees, our passengers and the communities we serve.

“Today we can celebrate how far we have come together. We are now very much looking forward to the next stage of the journey – welcoming both vessels home to the Clyde and seeing them begin what we hope will be many years of reliable service.”

Simon Gillett, CEO of Balaena, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Western Ferries back to Birkenhead and to celebrate this important milestone in the construction of MV Sound of Scalpay and MV Sound of Sleat.

“The naming ceremony is a proud moment for everyone who has been involved in the project and an opportunity to recognise the skill and commitment of the teams who have brought these vessels to life.

“Western Ferries returning to Birkenhead for these two new vessels demonstrates the strength of the relationship established through the construction of MV Sound of Seil and MV Sound of Soay.

“We are proud to have played our part in the next generation of the Western Ferries fleet and look forward to seeing MV Sound of Scalpay and MV Sound of Sleat serving passengers on the Clyde.”

ENDS