CalMac ferry contract win finds favour across region
THERE has been widespread support for the decision to award the £900 million contract to operate the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Network to CalMac.
The contract was announced last Thursday following months of uncertainty.
The publicly- owned company’s bid, which included 350 commitments to improve services, was preferred by Transport Scotland and the eight-year contract will start on October 1.
After the announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, several statements of support commending the decision were made public.
Argyll and Bute contains more ferry routes than any other area in Scotland.
The area’s MSP, Michael Russell, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that CalMac has won the tender and I congratulate the whole company but particularly the CEO Martin Dorchester, who ran the bid team.
‘It has presented a compelling and comprehensive case for continuation of the company as the key ferry provider in Scotland.
‘I am sure the vast majority of my constituents will be as pleased as I am, as will the staff who work so hard, in all weathers, to provide lifeline services.
‘I look forward to working with the company, as an MSP with a huge reliance on ferries, to ensure constant improvement and this award is, therefore, the start of a process, not the end of one.’
Brendan O’Hara, Argyll and Bute MP, said: ‘I am delighted to hear that CalMac has been successful in its bid for the Hebridean and West Coast ferry contract. Our constituency contains a great number of lifeline routes, which will continue to keep our island communities connected to the mainland and present excellent value for money.
‘For the staff who work on these ferries day in day out, in the most challenging of conditions, this must be a huge relief. The biggest victory in this process has been securing vital local jobs within local communities.
‘ While this tendering process has been fraught with difficulties and controversy; it was a process that was necessary under EU law. However, this process has proven that a publicly- owned operation can compete effectively in a highly- competitive market while delivering value for money, investment and supporting integrated island and rural communities.
‘Part of this bid includes a pledge to increase traffic by 10 per cent, which can only continue to benefit those communities, together with the proposed community engagement schemes.
‘ We should also recognise the vast support CalMac has with the wider public and to the staff who consistently provide an excellent service onboard. Our services have been secured for the benefit of everyone – and particularly our islanders – for the next eight years and I look forward to continuing my constituency duties with the help and dedication of the staff at CalMac.’
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that the contract has been awarded to CalMac. Many of CalMac’s crews had told me of their nervousness about this process and what it could have meant for their jobs or terms and conditions, so for them this will be a big relief. CalMac must continue to serve the islands as best it can and improve services where possible.
‘Earlier this week CalMac announced its plan to introduce online booking for foot passengers and e-ticketing which is a very positive step forward.’
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leader, Councillor Angus Campbell, said: ‘We welcome the proposal to award the contract to CalMac and look forward to building on good working relationships with management and staff in the firm.
‘ We particularly welcome a number of the pledges made by the company as part of their bid, in particular the provision of more opportunities for local employment, including more apprenticeships, the creation of a new director of community and stakeholder engagement post and a communities board to better involve communities in investment and services decisions, and the introduction of smart and integrated ticketing systems on key routes.
‘ We will continue with our campaign for more management and administration roles associated with the ferry services to be based in the islands and look forward to working with CalMac and Scottish ministers to that effect. The importance of these lifeline services to the communities and the businesses of the Outer Hebrides cannot and should not be under- estimated.’
Kevin Hobbs, CEO of CMAL, which owns the ferries and infrastucture, said: ‘We have worked with CalMac Ferries Ltd over the first nine years of this service and we look forward to continuing our working relationship when the formal procurement process is concluded.’