CalMac to start new Scottish ferry contract

FerryCaledonian MacBrayne begin a new eight year contract to operate Clyde and Hebrides ferry services from October 1, with managing director Martin Dorchester hailing the deal as the start of a fresh era for Western Scotland.

"The last nine years have seen significant improvements to ferry services and we look forward to building on this work. Our bid was based on key themes including retaining safety at the heart of operations, a sustainable long term reduction in subsidy through improving operational efficiency and revenue growth," he commented.

CalMac, who saw off competition for the contract from Orkney and Shetland services provider Serco, will work in partnership with shipyards to plan and schedule long-term maintenance activities to minimise reactive maintenance, and improve vessel reliability together with an investment of GBP6m in on-board and port and passenger area improvements including upgraded restaurant counters and retail outlets.