MV Sound of Scalpay
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MV Sound of Scalpay is a car and passenger ferry, currently being constructed for Western Ferries.[2] When built, the vessel will operate on the upper Clyde between Gourock and Dunoon, Scotland.[3]
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom | |
| Name | Sound of Scalpay |
| Namesake | Sound adjacent to Scalpay in the Outer Hebrides |
| Operator | Western Ferries |
| Route | Gourock to Dunoon |
| Builder | Cammell Laird, Birkenhead |
| Laid down | November 2025 |
| Status | Under construction |
| General characteristics | |
| Class & type | Passenger/vehicle roll-on/roll-off ferry |
| Length | 49.95 m (163 ft 11 in) |
| Ramps | 2 |
| Capacity | 220 passengers 40 cars |
| Notes | [1] |
History
The keel for Sound of Scalpay was laid down in November 2025 at Cammell Laird of Birkenhead, as part of a deal that will see two vessels built for Western Ferries.[4] Both Sound of Scalpay and her sister ship, Sound of Sleat, are intended to be ready for delivery in autumn 2026.[2]
The ferry takes its name from an earlier Western Ferries vessel, that sailed under their flag from 1995 to 2013.[5][6]
Layout
Sound of Scalpay uses an updated design based upon that used by Western Ferries' Sound of Seil and Sound of Soay.[1] These earlier vessels have a single car deck with 194 lane-metres between bow and stern ramps, with a passenger lounge.[7] The original designs have been improved to reduce fuel consumption and increase the efficiency of operation.[1]
Service
When in service, the vessel will operate Western Ferries' Clyde service between McInroy's Point (Gourock) and Hunters Quay (Dunoon). This 2.2 nautical mile crossing[7] allows vehicles to avoid the A83 "Rest and be thankful".[8]