Where the Sea Meets the Road – Benbecula

Where: Museum nan Eilean, Lionacleit, Benbecula

When: 29 September – 12 December 2026

This year marks 175 years since the foundations of Caledonian MacBrayne were laid. The company provides vital services to west coast islands and peninsular communities over some of the most challenging waters in Europe.

The link between Caledonian MacBrayne and the communities it serves runs deep; they are a part of west coast history, important employers both on ships and in ports, and a lifeline service for transporting vital goods, services and livestock, as well as passengers and cars. This continuing relationship goes back to the steamer company David MacBrayne helped to found in 1851.

The exhibition celebrates the generations of people who have worked on these lifeline ferry services – on the ships, at the harbours and the pier offices.

Based on the personal collection of John Macdonald, a Port Assistant at Lochmaddy, and developed by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Heritage Team, from the original concept by Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath. The exhibition, through photographs, objects, model ships and personal stories, reflects the vital role ferries have played in sustaining island life—supporting communities, economies, and cultural connections over nearly two centuries.

A central theme of the exhibition is the people behind the service: the crews, engineers, shore staff, and wider workforce whose commitment has ensured continuity of lifeline services, often in challenging conditions. Past and current employees of CalMac have been generous in sharing their memories of wild weather, unusual cargos and memorable skippers.

Thanks to:

Caledonian MacBrayne for contributing to the exhibition
costs, including associated travel. David Ashmead, Brand
Design Lead at CalMac, for the exhibition design, and the
Marketing Team for support and advice.