Calmac owner interested in Scotrail

Calmac’s owner has confirmed its potential interest in running Scotrail for the public sector.

David Macbrayne Ltd chairman David Mcgibbon said it was exploring a potential bid for the train operator for the next franchise from 2025.

It follows ministers keenness for a public sector bid and Calmac being among the last Scottish Government-controlled transport operators.

Mr Mcgibbon told MSPS: “We would be interested in at least exploring with appropriate Transport Scotland people what it would entail.

“We’ve not had detailed conversations but we’ve indicated to Transport Scotland that we are willing to talk.”

However, he also conceded the firm had no experience of running railways.

Mr Mcgibbon said the group wanted to expand into ports and harbours as well as ferries, including abroad.

It runs the Marchwood military port near Southampton and has bid for Perth Harbour.