Historic ferry to launch on the Clyde

Published on 17/12/2012 00:00

The first commercial ship to be fully built and delivered on the Clyde in more than five years is to be launched today.

The hybrid ferry is the first of two vessels being built at Ferguson’s yard in Port Glasgow, securing 75 jobs and creating about 100 more, the Scottish Government said.

The first ferry, to be named “Hallaig”, will be launched by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, a Glasgow MSP. It is expected to come into service between Skye and Raasay next summer.

The name comes from a poem, written by Sorley Maclean, which is named after an abandoned township on Raasay.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Today is about the Clyde, its shipbuilding heritage and its future, and the enormous benefits investment can bring. I look forward immensely to launching the new vessel.”