This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Two new ferries commissioned
08/12/2004
Two new ferries are to be built for Caledonian
MacBrayne's Clyde and Hebrides services at a cost of £15.3
million, the Parliament heard today.
On the day the final consultation on ferry services was
published, Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"The Clyde and Hebrides ferry services provide vital
lifeline links for our island communities. Major new
funding will support the future of these services and
contribute to the economic prospects for local
communities.
"Our extra investment will provide £9.5 million for a
second vessel for the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay route and £5.8
million for a new vessel to serve Largs to Cumbrae.
"A number of improvements have already been made along
these routes. We want to ensure the new contract builds on
these and meets the needs of those using these
services.
"It is now absolutely clear that we must proceed with
tendering for these routes to comply with European law.
"This consultation offers all ferry users a final chance
to comment on the future arrangements for these vital
lifeline services. This is a crucial opportunity for local
interests to have an input in shaping the tendering
process."
The Minister also announced a further £12 million
investment from the recent Scottish Budget in Piers and
Harbours Grants for CalMac for investment in a number of
new onshore projects.
The Executive also plans to provide additional grants to
CalMac towards new onshore projects totalling around £15.8
million over the period to March 2008 (Piers and Harbours
Grants will be offered at 75 per cent of costs, in line
with established practice).
These new projects include works at Largs, Cumbrae Slip,
Wemyss Bay, and Lismore to accommodate the vessels to be
introduced, a replacement linkspan at Brodick, and a major
upgrade of berthing facilities at Kennacraig
The Executive has previously funded five new vessels
(excluding the two announced today) for the Clyde and
Hebrides routes since 2000.
They are:
MV Hebrides £12m
MV Loch Nevis £8 m
MV Loch Portain £7 m
MV Coruisk £5 m
MV Bute £8.75 m
The consultation period on CHFS services closes on March
16.
Copies of the consultation document and draft service
specification have been distributed to nearly 800
individuals and organisations with an interest.