CalMac boss leaves firm with immediate effect

THE boss of Gourock-based ferry firm Caledonian MacBrayne has left his role with immediate effect following a leadership review.

The shock departure of chief executive Robbie Drummond was announced yesterday afternoon.

CalMac said that the move followed a review of its leadership, as it faces ‘challenging years ahead’.

The company has been beset by problems in recent years with its ageing fleet.

It has also been badly affected by the delays to the two new ferries being built by Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow.

The Port shipyard parted company with its CEO, David Tydeman, last week when his surprise sacking was announced.

Outgoing CalMac chief Mr Drummond, 54, has held the top job for a number of years having initially been appointed interim managing director in 2018.

Duncan Mackison has been named as interim chief executive in his place.

The former Royal Marines officer has more than 25 years experience in senior executive roles in a variety of sectors including transport, defence, property and technology.

CalMac said: “The board wants to strengthen the focus further on operational performance of an ageing fleet, resilience and enhanced dialogue and responsiveness with the customers and the communities CalMac serves.

“As a consequence, the board has reviewed the executive leadership of the organisation to ensure that it is best placed to achieve that during some challenging years ahead.

“As part of that review, current CEO Robbie Drummond is stepping down with immediate effect.”

Former Inverclyde councillor and Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny has called on the Scottish Government to step in following the departure of Mr Drummond.

He said: “In the space of a week we have seen the CEO of Ferguson’s sacked and now the CEO of CalMac.

“On a personal note I feel sorry for Mr Drummond as he was popular with staff and he could only ever run a ferry service with the vessels he was given.

“It is now time for the Scottish Government to intervene because our national ferry service is on disarray.

“They should scrap CMAL who miraculously seem to be the only organisation that are surviving unscathed.

“Alba Party have long campaigned for the establishment of a new Ferries Scotland body that brings all of the work involved in the procurement, construction, maintenance and operation of our ferries together under one roof.”