This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Way ahead clear for CalMac tendering
14/11/2001
The way ahead is now clear to put the Caledonian
MacBrayne ferry network out to tender as a whole, it was
revealed today.
Transport Minister Sarah Boyack was speaking after
receiving the European Commission's views on the
Executive's proposals for their preference for tendering
the CalMac network in one single bundle.
Ms Boyack said:
"I received confirmation of the Commission's views on
our proposals against splitting up the CalMac network today
and I am delighted that what we have worked hard to achieve
has come about. I welcome the Commission's decision and the
way is clear now for the Scottish Executive to tender the
network as a whole.
"I received widespread support from across Scotland for
my determined stance to avoid fragmentation of the routes.
Particularly strong support came from the communities
served by the current network. This is very good news
indeed from the Commission and I'm sure that many in the
Highlands and Islands and the West Coast of Scotland will
agree.
"Our next step will be to consider the advice from the
Commission in order to ensure we develop a fair tendering
process in line with EU law. The Commission does still have
some reservations and some detailed matters remain to be
discussed.
"In the meantime, the next step is to publish our draft
service specifications. We are working on them now and will
ensure wide public consultation in the New Year."