Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that company representatives will meet negotiators from the RMT union this Friday (August 1) to continue the current wage talks.

CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “Caledonian MacBrayne is doing everything it can to achieve an amicable outcome to the talks which broke down last week. The company believes that it has made a fair and reasonable offer in the circumstances and will pursue every opportunity to avoid the need for a ballot and threat of action”.

The RMT Union has advised CalMac that they will ballot members on industrial action and the result is expected on August 21.

Strike action is even then by no means automatic and the company hopes that the issues which remain unresolved will be successfully concluded by then.

Mr Sinclair added: “We will keep our customers informed of progress.  Caledonian MacBrayne has no wish to see strike action and sincerely hopes that this will be avoided. Our customers do not deserve to be targeted in this way and we will do everything we can to achieve a successful outcome for all concerned.”