Comhairle nan Eilean Siar says it will lobby for ferry company Cal Mac to create administration jobs in the Western Isles.
Retaining its head office in Gourock is one of the headline proposals contained in its successful bid to for the tender to operate Hebridean and west coast ferry services for the next eight years.
The council believes the shipping operator should be helping the local economy more by having its headquarters in its Western Isles heartland rather than the central belt.
Comhairle wants more Cal Mac jobs in Western Isles
24 May 2016
Cal Mac injected over £9 million into the Inverclyde economy where it directly employs 169 people. Its staff there have an average wage of £30,660 according to a report commissioned by the firm last year. Overall, the company supports the jobs of 262 local residents there once the effect of wage spending by its employees is taken into account.
Comhairle leader, Angus Campbell, said: “We will continue with our campaign for more management and administration roles associated with the ferry services to be based in the islands and look forward to working with Cal Mac and Scottish Ministers to that effect.”
Mr Campbell added: "The Comhairle worked hard with both bidders during the tendering process and are pleased to note that the process was found to be fair, open and transparent.
“We welcome the proposal to award the contract to Cal Mac and look forward to building on good working relationships with management and staff in the firm."
The council also welcomed Cal Mac's pledges for the provision of more opportunities for local employment, including more apprenticeships, the creation of a new director of community and stakeholder engagement post and a communities board to better involve communities in investment and services decisions, and the introduction of smart and integrated ticketing systems on key routes.
Mr Campbell said the importance of the ferry lifeline services to the communities
and the businesses of the Outer Hebrides "cannot and should not be under-