The next contract to operate the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services – which includes the Kilcreggan and Dunoon routes – could be awarded directly to CalMac Ferries Ltd.
Ministers announced today that they were explore feasibility of a direct award using the “Teckal exemption“. rather than putting the routes out to competitive tender as has happened previously.
CalMac took over the Dunoon route in 2019, after it had been operated by its sister company Argyll Ferries, and the Kilcreggan service from SPT the following year.
Transport Scotland said a due diligence process had been launched to look at financial and legal issues, with a final decision being taken next summer.
Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “A direct award to CalMac would help change the ethos of the service by shifting the focus from a commercial arrangement to a model more focused on the delivery of a public service.
“This would help drive service improvements, deliver better communications with communities and introduce meaningful performance indicators that better reflect the experience of passengers using the services.
“It would also provide us with the opportunity to consider adding CalMac as a relevant Authority under the Islands (Scotland) 2018 Act, strengthening the ability of communities to feed into Impact Assessments to inform future changes.
“I want to be very clear that this will not be an extension of the status quo.
“I expect a direct award to be a catalyst for positive change on the Clyde and Hebrides network, based on a more efficient, flexible model in the delivery of this important public service.”
CalMac chief executive Robbie Drummond saiid he welcomed the announcement.
“Taking the uncertainty out of the contract would allow us to focus all our efforts on improving service delivery, without the distraction of a highly resource-intensive procurement process,” he added.
“We have a highly skilled, committed and experienced staff, who care deeply about island and rural communities and are passionate about delivering the best possible service.
“We will continue to work in partnership with local stakeholders and communities to ensure the best possible outcomes for all who rely on our services.
“This announcement by the Minister will be well received by all staff working at CalMac. All of us at CalMac are committed to working together to focus our efforts on improving the service we deliver to our customers.”
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