19 May 2016

CalMac Ferries Limited is the preferred tenderer for the next contract to operate the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) network, the First Minister announced today.

The announcement is welcome news for people who live in island communities, Calmac employees, and tourists as CalMac have committed to an eight year contract involving improvements to drive economic growth and improve customer service.

The First Minister said:

CalMac have a long and proud tradition of running the Clyde and Hebrides routes, and the company is woven into the fabric of the communities they serve.

The First Minister visited Ardrossan to make the announcement, her first official event after being sworn in for the new parliamentary session and announcing her Cabinet.

Chilly morning in Ardrossan as @ScotGovFM announces the "great news" that #CalMac has won Hebridean ferry contract. pic.twitter.com/BT4wbUAmAn

— David Miller (@DavidMillerSCO) May 19, 2016