Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has marked the end of an era with the publication of a new book which updates the record of the ships operating the company’s lifeline services on the west coast of Scotland.

In his final act as Chairman of the Company, Harold Mills has in his foreword to the new book “CalMac Ferries” described the publication as a “snapshot of the fleet at the end  of an era.”

Publication of the book, which costs £5.95 and will be available this week from CalMac on their website, port offices and on ships, coincides with the end of Dr Mills’ tenure as Chairman of CalMac. The book was also published on the day that the Scottish Executive issued Invitations to Tender to three companies interested in the operation of the Gourock to Dunoon service, currently operated by CalMac.

In his Foreword, Dr Mills states: “A glance through this book will convince the reader of the huge variety of ferries in the fleet. Despite the multiplicity of vessels, however, one of the great strengths of Caledonian MacBrayne is that it maintains the flexibility to move ships around in an emergency to minimize disruption. Caledonian MacBrayne is committed to responding to changing circumstances and challenges, no matter how testing. The Company also strives to deliver the highest possible level of service in terms of reliability and safety and to consult the communities it serves in order to achieve these ends.”

The new book, which is packed with pictures of the ships ion the fleet and accompanying narrative with statistics, has been compiled by CalMac’s official Historian Ian McCrorie. Within its 88 pages the ships which service some of the most beautiful islands in the world are detailed in the author’s inimitable style.

CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “I am extremely grateful to our outgoing Chairman for his contribution and once again to Ian McCrorie for his latest effort in a quite prodigious output. It is some time now since we detailed the fleet in this fashion and the book is a “must have” for all our many supporters and friends with an interest in the fleet and its changing nature.”

CalMac Ferries is available from the Retail Operations Department at Gourock (Tel 01475 650 320); price £5.95 plus £2.50 P&P. All cheques should be made payable to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd.

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.

Issued: Tuesday, August 1, 2006: 1100