Call Off Cal Mac Tendering

17 October 2003

The Vice-Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has backed calls for the Scottish Executive to call off the tendering process for life-line ferry services serving the Western Isles.

Cllr Angus Campbell has written to Transportation Minister Nicol Stephen following the European ruling on the ‘Altmark’ case which appears to make competitive tendering unnecessary for essential public transport services.

In his letter, Cllr. Campbell states: “In light of the recent news regarding the Altmark ruling I would urge you to abandon the unnecessarily time consuming and expensive tendering procedure that Caledonian MacBrayne has been forced to involve itself in. There is a clear case now in terms of the four criteria stated to allow the company to positively concentrate on its core purpose - providing a reliable, efficient and cost effective service to the West Coast and Clyde.
With this burden lifted, they could start to imaginatively develop their core structures, ferry routes and timetables to provide a less expensive, more customer orientated service while at the same time maintaining their income levels. Caledonian MacBrayne has historically provided an excellent level of service but with your encouragement the company could now have the opportunity to contribute even more to the regeneration of the fragile economy of the Western Isles.”

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk