Commenting on the appointment, Mr David McGibbon, Chairman of David MacBrayne Limited, said, “The Board is delighted to announce this appointment. Duncan brings considerable marine experience to this role. He is a former Royal Marine Commando Officer and, more recently, was Managing Director of Serco Defence, where he had responsibility for managing aviation and maritime contracts for the Ministry of Defence. This included the provision of vessels to provide maritime support to the Royal Navy. Duncan also has considerable experience and a strong track record in delivering service contracts to both central and local Government.

"Looking ahead, the Group faces many challenges. We will continue to deliver ferry services to the Clyde and Hebrides through our subsidiary company, CalMac Ferries Limited. In addition, we will also be addressing the forthcoming tender process for the new contract to deliver ferry services to the Orkney and Shetland Islands, a process which has already begun. This year will also be an important year in the development of the port facilities at Marchwood, a contract which is operated for the Ministry of Defence through our joint venture company, Solent Gateway Limited. We look forward to welcoming Duncan, who will join us on March 1, 2019.”