MV Kyleakin is double-ended, drive-through ferry, built in 1970 for the Skye crossing, where she served until 1991.

In August 1969, Patrick Thomas announced a number of innovations, including the ordering of two 28-car ferries for Skye.

She finally entered service on 14 August but was troubled by problems with her hydraulic ramps and then her cooling system.

Her Gardner diesel engines were coupled to two Voith-Schneider propulsion-units at diametrically opposed corners of her hull, making her extremely manoeuvrable.

[2] Kyleakin and her sister MV Lochalsh replaced a fleet of small vessels at Skye in 1970/71.