CMAL launches competition for new Islay ferry name

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) is launching a competition which will allow the public to pick the name of the new ferry being built for the Islay route.

The new Islay ferry will be the first new ship to serve the route in thirty-seven years and marks a major investment in vessels from CMAL.

Following consultation, CMAL intend to offer the public a vote from four shortlisted names:

1. FINLAGGAN Fionn Lagan
2. GLENDALE Gleann Dail
3. LOCHIEL Loch Iall
4. PIONEER Treòraiche

To register their preference, entrants can either write to CMAL or go on-line to www.cmassets.co.uk to vote. Voting will begin at 10am on Monday 19 October and closes at midday on Monday 16 November. The winning name will be announced on St Andrew's Day, Monday 30 November 2009.

A team from the Vessels Department at CMAL will be in Islay on Tuesday 20 October at the Bowmore Hall to update members of the public on the ferry's progress from 4.30pm-7.30pm.

Two lucky winners who vote for the most popular name will be chosen at random to be special guests at the ferry's launch in Poland next year.