Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has welcomed the publication by the Scottish Executive of their proposals for tendering Clyde and Western Isles lifeline ferry services.

The Draft service specification has been issued for consultation today (Thursday, June 27).

Caledonian MacBrayne Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “We welcome the publication of the draft specification and the three months which has been allowed for consultation. The document is lengthy and complex and we will need time to examine it properly. However, we are delighted that we now have the opportunity to contribute to what we hope will be a constructive debate about the future of the lifeline ferry services we have been operating. I would urge all our customers and stakeholders to play an active role in the debate. We will most certainly do that.”

Caledonian MacBrayne will not be making any further comment on the contents of the draft specification. Time will be taken to examine in detail the various aspects of the specification before producing a considered response in due course.