The private sector operator competing to win the west coast ferry network off Cal Mac has held meetings in the Western Isles with the local council, the haulage industry and Stornoway Port Authority.
This is the first time Serco has met with any community representatives from the islands which rely on the ferries.
Cal Mac Ferries Limited and Serco Caledonian Ferries Limited are going head-
The contract will cover services to 22 islands in the Western Isles, Inner Hebrides as well as the Argyll and Clyde communities for eight years from October 2016.
Last month, ferry crews took industrial action over fears about job losses, cuts
to income and pensions in the face of transferring state-
The Scottish Government promised guarantees would be written into the contract.
The final tender should be submitted in January with the winner to be announced in May 2016.
Many Western Isles councillors are known to be wary of Serco, fearing the private sector giant will cut costs, jobs and services.
Today, the isles’ authority pressed Serco to outline its intentions for running the essential lifeline sea links.
The council is seeking improved reliability of service and better timetables to fit the needs of communities.
Serco is understood to give a commitment to provide an efficient service.
Jonathan Riley, bid director for Serco, told Hebrides News: “We are meeting with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to discuss the Clyde and Hebrides Ferries Services contract.
“Now that we have formally received the invitation to tender, we want to fully understand how the lifeline services impact local lives.
“We are particularly keen to understand what the community wants and needs from its ferry provider be that freight, business or tourism all of which are really important.
“Our experience working with local communities on our NorthLink Ferries and Caledonian Sleeper services has taught us that no two communities are the same.
“And it is that thought process which will form the foundation of our engagement in Stornoway.
“We hope this will be the first of many meetings with key council representatives and community organisations.”
The Scottish Government stressed it is legally forced to tender the ferry contract under European law.
It is setting up an independent panel to oversee the tendering process to ensure nothing is being done which 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.
Regardless of the winner, the Scottish Government said it 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.
Serco meets with island representatives over ferry tender
20 August 2015