Image: Macduff Ship Design LtdThe SIC has begun the process of securing three new ferries at a total cost of £35m. The council said the first 33-metre vessel would be built to operate any of the current inter-island ferry routes, except Foula. Councillors approved the outline business case for the new ferry in September after a ferries resilience review was carried out. The tender notice was posted today (Thursday) on the Public Contracts Scotland website. Companies with an interest in building the vessel are invited to submit necessary documents for the first stage of the tender process by 2nd March 2026.