Photos by Mark Nicolson

The Clansman, Caledonian MacBrayne ferry serving the islands of Coll, Tiree and Colonsay from Oban, arrives in Oban on her 1140 return from Scalasaig, Colonsay on 9 May 2017.

The former Stornoway ferry for Caledonian MacBrayne, now serving as the Oban to Castlebay Barra vessel since March 2016, approaches Castlebay, May 2017.

CalMacs stalwart workhorse leaving Stornoway for Ullapool whilst covering for the overhaul of Isle of Lewis.

CalMacs stalwart workhorse approaching Stornoway whilst covering for the overhaul of Isle of Lewis.

At Leverburgh whilst deputising for Loch Portain on the Bernera route.

CalMacs flagship arriving in Uig, Skye.

CalMacs Stornoway ferry loading freight at No. 3 pier.

CalMacs Stornoway ferry leaving for Ullapool at 2pm.

CalMacs Stornoway ferry arriving from Ullapool at 1pm.

CalMacs new Stornoway ferry arriving in her home port.

CalMacs new Stornoway ferry arriving in her home port on her last sailing of the day from Ullapool.

The Stornoway ferry undertaking berthing trials at Harris main ferry terminal during a special tour of the CalMac network to determine her long term future.Originally the Isle of Lewis called at Uig Lochmaddy and Tarbert for trials in July 1995 during her delivery voyage to Ullapool and Stornoway from Ferguson Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow on the Clyde where she had been built. This photo therefore was from her second ever call at Tarbert.

Leaving Stornoway for Ullapool whilst covering for the Loch Seaforth.

CalMacs Stornoway ferry berthed stern-in at the North Uist capital on 3 April 2015. She was brought to operate a special 1700 sailing from Uig to Lochmaddy to assist the Islay ferry Finlaggan - relieving the Uig triangle route for the Hebrides, herself on relief duties for other fleet members - which was overbooked.This is the Isle of Lewiss first visits to Lochmaddy since 19 April and 31 May 1998, when she carried out two special army charters for the Ministry of Defence - during both visits, s

CalMacs Stornoway ferry berthed bow-in at Uig, Skye on 3 April 2015. She was brought to operate a special 1700 sailing from Uig to Lochmaddy to assist the Islay ferry Finlaggan - relieving the Uig triangle route for the Hebrides, herself on relief duties for other fleet members - which was overbooked.On 27 July 1995 - whilst on her way to Ullapool and Stornoway on her delivery voyage from her builders prior to replacing the Suilven on the Stornoway route - the Isle of Lewis called at Uig, Lochma

The new Stornoway ferry leaving for Ullapool following her very first visit to her new terminal at No.3 pier to conduct berthing trials, testing both bow and stern ramps without any problems.

The new Stornoway ferry stern-in at the towns No.3 pier, on her very first visit to her new terminal to conduct berthing trials.

The new Stornoway ferry bow-in at the towns No.3 pier, on her very first visit to her new terminal to conduct berthing trials.

Relieving the CalMac Stornoway to Ullapool service for the regular vessel, Isle of Lewis, which is undergoing its annual overhaul on the Mersey.

The new Stornoway to Ullapool ferry leaving after a two night stop at Stornoways Arnish pier. She was up for a crew change.She is due to enter full service on the route at the end of May if things all go to plan.

Departing Tarbert, Harris for Uig, Skye on CalMacs Uig triangle route whilst relieving the Hebrides, herself away relieving other members of the CalMac fleet.

Berthed at Tarbert, Harris on CalMacs Uig triangle route whilst relieving the Hebrides, herself away relieving other members of the fleet.

CalMac's latest making her first ever arrival into Stornoway for crew familiarisation trials, prior to commencing service on the Ullapool route at Christmas. Due to the pier works not being finished yet - although hopefully that won't be too long now - she was not able to berth alongside.

Berthing stern-in at Tarbert instead of bow-in due to painting being carried out around her bow ramp.

Leaving Stornoway for Ullapool in rough conditions.

Leaving Stornoway for Ullapool.

Leaving Stornoway for Ullapool.

Arriving from Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.

Undergoing fitting out at Ferguson Shipbuilders.

Berthed in Stornoway, having just returned from Greenock, where she was drydocked for repairs to her starboard shaft seal tube, which failed on 4 October, and left her out of service for over a week. The Uig ferry Hebrides took her place for that week.

Arriving in splendid sunshine from Stornoway whilst relieving the Isle of Lewis.

Relieving at Stornoway in place of the Isle of Lewis.