CalMac Ferries Ltd, the current operator of the Clyde and Hebridean ferry lifeline services, has welcomed confirmation of the invitation to tender (ITT) for the new contract to operate the services.

 Transport Minister Tavish Scott MSP has today (Thursday, December 14) confirmed that a number of enhancements to services are being included in the invitation to tender and that a new vessel will be provided for the Islay service.

 CalMac Chairman Peter Timms said: “We are all delighted that the process has reached the final straight of the Invitation To tender process. The enhancements to services are most welcome, as are the confirmation of the new vessel to Islay and the timescale. This has been an extremely long and time-consuming process, which is the ultimate challenge for this Company. We firmly believe that CalMac Ferries is well placed to win this bid and we are confident that we can launch a robust and innovative bid for the services. This will be based on our record of accomplishment and our strengths of having years of experience operating lifeline services, with a dedicated set of seagoing and shore-based staff. The last few weeks have been hugely demanding and we believe we have come into our own when tackling the worst weather for 25 years. We will now set about the challenge of mounting a winning bid and that effort has already started.”

 CalMac Ferries will now take time to consider and digest the contents of the ITT document and the specific recommendations and options detailed by the Minister. CalMac has also confirmed that an early meeting will be held in the New Year in Islay to discuss the new vessel with customers and community representatives. It is anticipated that this vessel will be brought into the CalMac fleet in 2009.

 In his announcement today the Minister also confirmed that from winter 2007 further enhancements will be made to the current timetable provision: 

• extending the double vessel service to Islay that currently operates during the peak summer season so that it covers the whole summer timetable period,
• An additional daily return sailing to the winter timetable for Ardossan – Brodick;
• An additional Friday evening return between Oban – Craignure; and
• An additional winter Sunday sailing from Oban to Coll and Tiree.

 The enhancements will be incorporated into the service specification for the new contract for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services which will be issued to the companies invited to tender.

  In addition bidders are being invited to consider options for a direct Mallaig – Lochboisdale service that would replace the Oban – Lochboisdale service, whilst leaving Castlebay served from Oban.

Ends.

 For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, CalMac Ferries Ltd, or Susan Paterson, Marketing Manager.   Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited

Issued: Thursday, December 14, 2006 : 1415