MV Loch Riddon was the third of four drive-through ferries built in the 1980s by Dunston's of Hessle, to cope with increasing traffic on CalMac's smaller routes.

[3] They have a second passenger lounge, on the port side, reducing the capacity of the car deck to 12.

Loch Riddon replaced MV Eigg as the full-time Lismore vessel for a short period of time before returning to the Largs service.

[4] Loch Riddon also saw service operating between Tarbert, Kintyre and Portavadie and between Tobermory, Mull and Kilchoan, covering for vessels redeployed to Largs.

Due to delays in MV Lochnevis returning from overhaul, Loch Bhrusda was required to stay on the Small Isles route; as a result Loch Riddon took over the Sconser – Raasay route on her own.