Where the sea meets the road

The ‘Where the sea meets the road’ exhibition is now open in Stornoway. And we are so proud of the fact that it centres on the personal collection of our own John Macdonald, Port Assistant at Lochmaddy, who’s spent over 50 years collecting and preserving items and memorabilia which speak to our rich history and that of our predecessors.

Alongside the history of the vessels, the exhibition celebrates the generations of our people – crew, engineers, shore staff and the wider workforce - who have worked on the delivery of our services and highlights the vital role they’ve played in island life throughout this period.

The exhibition is a collaborative development between the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar heritage team and Caledonian MacBrayne’s brand marketing team.

Now welcoming audiences, the exhibition explores the evolution of ferry services serving the Hebrides and west coast of Scotland, from early steamers and mail boats to the modern fleet.

Through photographs, objects, model ships and personal stories, it reflects the vital role ferries have played in sustaining island life - supporting communities, economies, and cultural connections over nearly two centuries.

See for yourself – watch some behind the scenes footage of the exhibition: