CalMac staff are up for trio of awards
TEAMS at Caledonian MacBrayne have been nominated for three awards the Scottish Transport Awards to be held today (Thursday) in Glasgow.
TEAMS at Caledonian MacBrayne have been rewarded for their efforts with three shortlisted nominations for the Scottish Transport Awards.
The awards, which will be held today (Thursday) in Glasgow, recognise endeavour and commitment across the transport sector.
CalMac has been shortlisted for public transport operator of the year, for Excellence in Innovation and Technology and for frontline employee of the year.
The frontline employee nomination recognises the dedicated work of 23-yearold Demi Wylie, who works in customer services, in the face of a difficult period of industrial action last year.
With much disruption across the network expected, Demi became aware of seven island weddings which were in jeopardy and seven pairs of distressed brides and grooms. She took it upon herself and a small team to become the single liaison point for all those involved and skilfully worked with the couples to make sure their special days were not derailed.
Her interventions, determination, perseverance and hard work paid off in some very difficult circumstances – and all travel plans for more than 600 guests were examined and alternative arrangements put in place to ensure that each happy couple’s special day was able to go ahead without a hitch.
Demi spent hours talking to the brides and grooms, reassuring them, working with them and understanding their issues. And, once she had put all the logistical arrangements in place, she and her team also found time to source extra special gifts for each couple with handmade products from the island they had chosen for their wedding.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the company, a team of technical staff, led by project manager John Gray, has been implementing a hi-tech system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on board all 10 of CalMac’s major vessels.
Known as Project Ecoship, the installation of fuel monitoring systems on the large ships is expected to reduce the release of harmful gases by a target of two per cent – equivalent to 1,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, 4,285,714 miles driven by an average passenger car, or 645 tonnes of waste sent to landfill.
CalMac is the first ferry company in the UK to implement this over a major part of its fleet. For this visionary approach, the company has received its Excellence in Innovation and Technology nomination.
‘I couldn’t be more proud of CalMac staff right across the network,’ said managing director Martin Dorchester.
‘All of these nominations, whether for an individual or a small team, recognise significant work and support across all areas of the business and we are lucky to have exceptional people who always rise to the occasion.
‘Despite some difficult times last year, as well as uncertainty in light of the tender process for the new Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service contract, CalMac’s people have remained stalwarts throughout. I thoroughly commend and thank them all.’