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The new passenger ferry for the island of Lismore is nearing completion and preparing for delivery in December.

The new 12 metre replacement vessel, Lady of Lismore, designed by Keel Marine, Petersfield, is being built by Mainstay Marine Solutions Ltd, Pembrokeshire.

It will be launched on 15 November for sea trials and certification by Maritime and Coastguard Agency surveyors before steaming 302 nautical miles north to delivery at Port Appin on Loch Linnhe.

The new ferry has been designed and built to current exacting specifications defined by Maritime and Coastguard Agency which take account of passenger safety and accessibility requirements.

The new all-steel vessel will have a crew of two and can accommodate 23 passengers all year round with a cruising speed of eight knots.

Policy Lead for Roads and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Rory Colville, said: “We’re looking forward to taking delivery of the new Lady of Lismore and hope it will serve Lismore island residents, businesses and visitors to the island for many, many years.”

Funded through Transport Scotland, it will cost around £500,000.

Stewart Graves, Mainstay Marine Solutions Ltd Managing Director, commented: “As the ferry will provide an essential service to and from Lismore, quality of build and reliability are essential. We look forward to the islanders enjoying excellent service from the ferry for many years to come.”