Two rival ferry firms have been invited to bid for a £1 billion subsidy to run the Western Isles and west coast ferry network.
The only tenderers in the race, CalMac Ferries and Serco Caledonian Ferries, have been issued with a preliminary invitation to bid, the starting point for a contract to be awarded next year.
A beefed-
The contract -
Rival firms compete for ferry service contract
4 Aug 2015
As at present, the ferries will be leased from the Scottish Government-
Both firms are asked to indicate which vessels they would use on what route for the summer and winter timetable, and what ferry would act as relief.
They are also to show how they would use increase passenger numbers and develop business on each route.
Minister for Transport and Islands Derek Mackay said “We have promised to make this procurement process fair, open and transparent, so we are publishing the initial invitation to tender document to make good on that pledge."
He said an independent panel will be set up to oversee the process and provide assurance that nothing is being done "that could be perceived as discriminating against either of the tenderers."
The panel will be drawn from island councils, trade unions, ferry user groups, tourism bodies and harbour boards.
Mr Mackay said, regardless of the winner, the Scottish Government will retain control
of all of important issues including fares and timetables, through the public service
contract.
Vessels and port infrastructure will also remain publicly owned as they are now.
The
Scottish Government stressed it is legally forced to tender the ferry contract under
European law.
It said Council Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92 applied the onus while Commission Decision C 16/2008 gives the EC's position over state aid in relation to subsidies for maritime transport services in Scotland.