CalMac Ferries Ltd, operator of lifeline ferry services on the Clyde and in the Hebrides, has welcomed the confirmation by the Minister for Transport Tavish Scott MSP that he has given the go ahead for the next stage in the development of the Gourock Transport Interchange and Waterfront Regeneration Project.

The proposals include moving the current CalMac Ferries Ltd administrative and technical Support Services function from the current Gourock site, with a port and passenger facility being retained for the operator of the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service. The Gourock linkspan will continue to act as the “safe haven” for diverted services from the islands of Arran and Bute.

Over the coming months, Network Rail will produce a detailed design for the Transport Interchange in discussion with CalMac Ferries Ltd on their ongoing requirements. CalMac Ferries Ltd will work with all interested parties, including the Waterfront Regeneration Project, to identify an alternative HQ site within the Inverclyde area, possibly even within Gourock. The developers, Alexander George and Landmark, will submit planning applications for the commercial and residential aspects of the project.

The relocation could involve up to 130 shore-based staff, depending on seasonal requirements and will include staff employed by CalMac HR (UK) Ltd, as well as staff employed in the current workshop. Staff required to facilitate port operations for the Gourock to Dunoon service will be accommodated within the new interchange.

CalMac Ferries’ Chairman Peter Timms said: “I am pleased to receive the clarification we have been awaiting of the developments at Gourock within the wider scheme of regeneration in Inverclyde. Plans for an interchange at Gourock have been under discussion for many years and it is helpful for us now to know that our future lies within the Inverclyde area, and that we will have modern support service facilities at the end of the process. We know our staff have been concerned about talk of relocation and the clarification that this move will be within the Inverclyde area is reassuring. We will continue to keep everyone informed of progress in our discussions with the developers and other relevant agencies.”

CalMac staff were informed of the decision to relocate yesterday (Monday, 29 January) and will continue to be involved in the process of managing the change of location for the Support Services functions at Gourock, providing the administrative, technical and financial back up required to operate the Clyde and Hebridean ferries network.

The confirmation of the office move comes at a hugely demanding time for CalMac Ferries Ltd, as it also faces the challenge of bidding for the contract to continue operating the Clyde and Hebridean services, which is due to start in October 2007.

Mr. Timms added: “CalMac Ferries Ltd will be working with everyone responsible for the delivery of the Interchange project and the Waterfront Regeneration to ensure that no ferry services are disrupted during future construction, regardless of whether CalMac Ferries Ltd win either or both the CHFS and Gourock to Dunoon ferry services contracts. We are in the midst of the most challenging period in our company’s history and to add a major relocation process involving all our key administrative facilities will place huge burdens on us all. However, I can assure everyone that I believe we will overcome all of these challenges, and the prospect of a new first class working environment will be an added incentive for us to raise our game another notch or two.”

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 (Aiseagan ChalMac).  Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited

Issued: Tuesday, January 30, 2007: 0900