Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed details of the consultation process being used to consider options for the possible provision of a Mallaig-Lochboisdale ferry service.

CalMac has been asked by Minister for Transport Nicol Stephen MSP to undertake this study and now, after a formal selection process, consultants Halcrow have been asked to undertake the study by the end of March, 2005.

The Minister will take the STAG appraisal report into account in determining whether to include this additional service in the final tender specification.

Halcrow/CalMac will consult with a range of interested parties – Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland Council, Argyll & Bute Council, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and a range of  other relevant organisations and stakeholders – to develop options for consideration in the STAG appraisal and, thereafter, at key stages of the appraisal process. 

Halcrow/CalMac have reinforced the importance of consulting widely with customers in the communities potentially affected by any proposals.

Alasdair McNicoll, Director of Strategic Development, said: “Consultation is an important element of the STAG process and we wish to allow as broad a consultation process as possible in the time we have available. As part of this process, we have established a formal Representative Group, comprising organisations, such as the local authorities, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and HiTrans, which represent the various interests of the communities involved. While this formal grouping will have an important role to play in progressing this study, we wish to ensure that all interested parties have an adequate opportunity to contribute their views at key stages in the process.”

Halcrow/CalMac are now seeking people’s views to better understand the nature of the transport issues involved and what the objectives of the study should be.

The Representative Group will meet for the first time to consider these issues on January 12 and CalMac is encouraging people to make their views known by sending a letter direct to Neil Johnstone, Regional Director for Halcrow, at The Octagon, 35 Baird Street, GlasgowG4 0EE, or by e-mailing him at: johnstonen@halcrow.com

Alasdair McNicoll added: “In addition to meetings of the Representative Group, a number of separate public and private meetings will be held as part of the consultation process.  While the consultants are happy to consider a face-to-face or telephone interview, they are operating to a very tight deadline and their scope for extensive private consultation is extremely limited. Written submissions are the best way for people to make their views known and they can be followed up as necessary.”

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For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, Caledonian MacBrayne.   Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.