Caledonian MacBrayne is seeking an increased subsidy to cover its losses caused by lockdown.
The ferry firm has missed out on a substantial amount of business after stringent restrictions on travel hit at the start of what promised to be another bumper summer season.
Cal Mac Ferries received £139 million last year from the Scottish Government to operate the west coast routes.
Prospects were looking good in early March especially as passenger numbers have been growing steadily in recent years -
Traffic has speedily crunched to barely a trickle due to the pandemic halting all but essential ferry usage following the introduction of stay-
Sailings on Cal Mac's routes were cut to operate a basic lifeline service to ensure essential food and supplies get through, and provide travel for key workers and hospital patients.
Robbie Drummond, Cal Mac’s managing director, said: “These are unprecedented times for CalMac where we are operating an essential lifeline service with passenger figures down around 95%.
“We have been in constant contact with Transport Scotland around our contract which has seen timetable reductions and impact on revenue.
“We are currently discussing the contractual implications and solutions to this drop in revenue with Transport Scotland.
“Our staff continue to provide frontline lifeline support to island communities under the most difficult of circumstances.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The contract allows Scottish Ministers to protect the operator from financial loss where appropriate as a result of reduction in fare box revenue given the anticipated drop in passenger numbers.
“Transport Scotland officials will maintain regular dialogue with Cal Mac Ferries to monitor the impact Covid-
Cal Mac seeks additional financial support for lockdown losses
16 May 2020