Caledonian MacBrayne is set to play a key role in one of Scotland’s biggest sporting celebrations this summer, carrying the King’s Baton to island communities as part of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

From 1 July to 23 July, the baton will journey across Scotland, visiting communities, festivals and events ahead of the Games opening ceremony, where it will join batons from across the Commonwealth. 

As part of the nationwide relay, the baton will travel to several islands served by CalMac, including Mull, Lewis and Harris, with ferry crossings providing a vital link in connecting island communities to the historic journey. The relay will also visit Ullapool, helping bring together mainland and island celebrations as excitement builds ahead of the Games. 

One of the highlights of the relay will see the Baton travel aboard MV Loch Seaforth from Ullapool to Stornoway, coinciding with the start of the world-famous HebCelt Festival. To mark the occasion, the vessel will be temporarily rebranded as the HebCelt Ferry, celebrating both Scotland’s vibrant cultural heritage and one of the country’s largest music festivals. 

The Baton’s arrival in Lewis during HebCelt will showcase the unique spirit of island communities, bringing together sport, music, culture and community celebrations as part of a nationwide journey designed to inspire people of all ages. 

The announcement comes as CalMac strengthens its partnership with HebCelt and other major island festivals, building on its promotion of island businesses, many of whose products are stocked on board.   CalMac will further support both HebCelt and the King’s Baton Relay through its marketing and social media channels, while onboard activities aboard the annually renamed  HebCelt Ferry will help create a memorable experience for passengers travelling to the festival. 

CalMac will further support both HebCelt and the King’s Baton Relay through its marketing and social media channels, while onboard activities aboard the newly designated HebCelt Ferry will help create a memorable experience for passengers travelling to the festival. 

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 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.” 

Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive Officer for Commonwealth Games Scotland 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 Baton Relay announcement also marks the launch of CalMac’s latest campaign, Where Next?, encouraging residents and visitors to explore Scotland’s islands and discover new adventures.