CalMac Ferries Ltd has confirmed that it has, in accordance with the procedures laid out in the Scottish Executive’s Invitation To Tender (ITT), formally lodged the documentation detailing the company’s bid to provide Clyde and Hebridean Ferry Services (CHFS).

In the Executive Summary to the Tender, CalMac Ferries’ Chairman Peter Timms said: “The submission of this tender represents the culmination of around six years hard work. During this period, the board of CFL have implemented a complete restructuring of the company and simultaneously introduced fundamental changes to day to day management and operations. I believe these changes, together with over 150 years experience of operating in the CHFS network area, have resulted in a value for money tender which meets the requirements of the Service Specification in all respects.”

Mr Timms continues: “CFL’s Mission Statement details our determination to providing a reliable, high quality service, focusing on customers’ needs and comfort, providing value for money to its customers, a stimulating workplace for all its employees and protecting the environment.  CFL is committed to the very highest management standards and aims to be acknowledged as the leading UK ferry operating company.”

CalMac’s tender was submitted to the Scottish Executive in Glasgow  at 1pm this afternoon, Thursday, May 10. The deadline for submission was Friday, May 11 at 3pm.

CalMac has also confirmed that it has used the Scottish Executive’s electronic facility to submit its bid. Had the documentation been printed in full, the seven volumes would have come to more than 100,000 pages of detail. The Executive Summary and Tender Overview have also been submitted bilingually in Gaelic and English.

The tender will now be evaluated in accordance with procedures laid out in the ITT and CalMac Ferries Ltd will be making no further comment on the tender or its contents, pending conclusion of the evaluation process.

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:  Thursday, May 10,  2007  : 1300