MV Portree was built to provide additional capacity on the Skye crossing.

In 1969, STG acquired the Bute Berthing Co. Portree was identified for service at Colintraive and underwent a lengthy re-build.

Her strange appearance was further increased by a forward wheelhouse, unlike previous Kyleakin ferries.

In 1970, she was converted to bow-loading, with a hydraulically operated bow ramp, hinged at three points and hanging from two long booms.

[1] Initially joining a fleet of small vessels at Skye, Portree was displaced by the new Lochalsh and Kyleakin in 1971.