Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne’s annual refurbishment programme has taken a significant step towards its closing stages with the completion of work on the Stornoway to Ullapool ferry MV Isle of Lewis, which has returned to her west coast station this week.

The ship, the largest in the CalMac fleet, returned to Lewis on Sunday, having been storm-bound in the Garvel Dock in Port Glasgow on Friday and resumed her service between Stornoway and the mainland on Monday morning, having been brought back to the island through some severe weather by Captain Alex Morrison of High Borve in Lewis.

MV Isle of Lewis was replaced on her regular run by MV Clansman, which has now left for Birkenhead, where she will undergo a major fuel conversion programme as part of her own annual refit and refurbishment for the next three weeks.

CalMac’s Regional Manager Mary Anne Campbell said: “The crew did a fantastic job to get the ship back to her regular beat on time and we are delighted with the work done during the annual overhaul period. There are major improvements done to some of the customer areas and I am sure that regular customers will notice a big difference. The main observation area upstairs has been revamped with new lighting and fittings and the deck-head panels have been repainted. The seating has been completely re-upholstered and the center area modified with raised backs for added comfort and glass panels to reduce noise levels. The addition of arm rests, will, we hope, go some way towards fitted addressing the problem we have of inconsiderate customers taking up extra space. New Carpets and curtains have also been fitted with the bulkheads and doors cover refreshed as well.”

Similar improvements, in a programme of improvements totaling £165,000, have been effected in the reclining Lounge and further improvements have been made to the décor of the Stairwell and passageway leading from the main foyer/reception area to lounges.

Mary Anne added: “The improvements are in line with the standards we expect of all our new vessels and we will now be adding some new photographs and scenic views of the area to complement the overall feel and look of the ship. CalMac has made a significant investment in the refurbishment programme this year and I am delighted that a significant part of that has been allocated to this route where MV Isle of Lewis plays such a huge part in sustaining the island economy.”

Ends.

Please find attached images of the refurbished area on MV Isle of Lewis which is free to use.

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Communications Director, CalMac Ferries Ltd. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited.

Issued: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 : 1400