MV Loch Portain

Soon after the Sound of Harris service started in 1996 using the new vessel , it became apparent that a new vessel was required. During January and February 2016, Loch Portain was fitted with a passenger lift and 2 MES evacuation systems, 1 port and 1 starboard, whilst dry docking in Birkenhead. ==Layout==

MV Loch Portain's car deck provides space for up to 34 cars. Passenger accommodation, above the car deck, contains several internal seating areas, forward and aft external seating areas, toilets, information boards and a basic vending machine. A passenger lift and 2 MES systems were installed in Birkenhead in February 2016. Her bridge, above the passenger lounge, provides a grandstand view - essential on the tortuous Sound of Harris route. A lack of depth in the Sound of Harris led to the adoption of a water-jet propulsion system, rather than the Voith Schneider units of the other Loch Class ferries. ==Service==

MV Loch Portain was built for the Leverburgh (Harris) to Berneray (North Uist) route and has operated there since 2003. had started the service in 1996, but could only carry 18 cars and soon proved inadequate. Initially, the service connected Leverburgh with a slipway at Otternish on North Uist, until the Berneray Causeway opened in April 1999, when the ferry's southern terminus moved to a purpose-built slipway at the northern end of the causeway. Loch Portain was en route to her annual dry docking and was due to dock alongside in Largs for the night. After getting permission, she was able to take up the run and help clear the backlog of traffic. She continued the run the next morning, until another relief vessel arrived. In October 2015, Loch Portain "made contact" with the sea bed in the Sound of Harris, resulting in a short spell in dry dock undergoing repairs. ==References==