MV ''Finlaggan'' ( gd, Fionnlagan) is a drive-through vehicle and passenger ferry built in Poland for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited. From 2011, she has been operated by

Caledonian MacBrayne Caledonian MacBrayne ( gd, Caledonian Mac a' Bhriuthainn), usually shortened to CalMac, is the major operator of passenger and vehicle ferries, and ferry services, between the mainland of Scotland and 22 of the major islands on Scotland's west ...

on the Islay service from

Kennacraig Kennacraig () is a hamlet situated on West Loch Tarbert, a south west of Tarbert on the Kintyre peninsula, Argyll and Bute, in the west of Scotland. Ferry terminal Caledonian MacBrayne ferries sail from the terminal, on the rocky islet Eil ...

History

MV ''Finlaggan'' was built in Gdańsk for the

- Islay route. Launched on 30 June 2010, she arrived in Scotland in May 2011. During trials, she developed engine problems, forcing cancellation of the inaugural sailing. She had further problems with her bow doors, requiring withdrawal from service for overhaul of her hydraulic systems in Birkenhead.

Layout

''Finlaggan'' is of

Ro-Ro Roll-on/roll-off (RORO or ro-ro) ships are cargo ships designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, buses, trailers, and railroad cars, that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels or using ...

design with bow and stern ramps. She is the first CalMac ship to have "clam shell" bow doors, that open sideways. The car deck is partially open at the stern and has a mezzanine deck capable of transporting an additional 18 cars. She has three passenger decks, two with external panoramic seating. There is a restaurant, shop, and two disabled lifts serving all decks. Entering through doors on the car deck, stairs provides access to a lounge with a bar/coffee shop, games room and baggage storage. A further staircase, with a statue in the middle, goes to an upper deck which has the cafeteria, a lounge with dog areas, a children's play area and televisions.

Service

''Finlaggan'' has taken up the

– Islay route, releasing . During the winter months, she often relieves on the Uig Triangle.

References

External links

MV Finlaggan
on www.calmac.co.uk
Image on the MerseyPictures during construction
{{DEFAULTSORT:Finlaggan 2010 ships Caledonian MacBrayne Islay Ships built in Gdańsk