The King's Baton will make a special journey to Lewis later this month as part of the countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, arriving aboard a CalMac ferry at the start of this year's HebCelt Festival.
Caledonian MacBrayne will play a key role in the nationwide relay, which is bringing the King's Baton to communities across Scotland between July 1 and July 23 ahead of next summer's Commonwealth Games.
One of the highlights of the relay will be the baton's crossing from Ullapool to Stornoway aboard the MV Loch Seaforth. To mark the occasion, the vessel will be temporarily renamed the HebCelt Ferry, celebrating one of Scotland's best-known music festivals and the culture of the Western Isles.
The baton is due to arrive in Lewis on Wednesday, July 16, as HebCelt gets under way, bringing together sport, music and community celebrations in what organisers hope will be a memorable occasion for residents and visitors alike.
Lewis and Harris are among a number of island communities included in the Scottish leg of the relay, alongside Mull and Bute. Ullapool will also host relay events, highlighting the strong links between Highland communities and the Western Isles.
CalMac says its involvement reflects the important role its ferry network plays in connecting island communities and ensuring they can take part in national events.
The ferry operator is also expanding its support for HebCelt, building on its partnerships with island festivals and local businesses. Many island-produced goods are already stocked on board CalMac vessels, while passengers travelling on the specially branded HebCelt Ferry can expect onboard activities as part of the festival celebrations.
Peter Griffiths, Head of Brand Marketing at CalMac, said: "Our ferries connect Scotland's islands every day, so we're proud to play our part in helping the King's Baton reach communities across Bute, Mull, Lewis and Harris as part of this nationwide celebration.
"The relay is about bringing people together and celebrating community, culture and sporting achievement. Our vessels will help ensure island communities are part of this unique journey as excitement builds towards Glasgow 2026."
Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE also welcomed CalMac's support.
He said: "Thank you to CalMac for their support of Team Scotland and our delivery of the King's Baton Relay. We are preparing for a busy but exciting 23 days of gatherings as it moves around the country and are grateful to CalMac for helping us reach our island communities to spread the excitement of the Relay and the Games as far as we can."
The King's Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day in March last year, when His Majesty The King placed a message to the Commonwealth inside Scotland's baton. Since then, the relay has travelled throughout the Commonwealth, with all 73 other nations and territories taking part before the baton returned to Scotland.
This year's Scottish relay has been redesigned to focus on community events rather than a continuous road route. Instead, the baton is visiting festivals, sporting events and celebrations across the country, making it easier for communities to take part.
The Western Isles visit will coincide with one of the biggest dates in the island calendar, with HebCelt once again expected to attract thousands of visitors to Stornoway.
