CalMac contract extended as Scottish Government considers direct award
The contract had been due to expire in September, with the extra year allowing further "due diligence" work to take place
Scottish Government-owned operator CalMac is to run ferries on Scotland's west coast for another year.
The current contract has been extended, as the Scottish Government continues to consider a direct award to CalMac for the next deal on the route - rather than accepting bids from rival firms.
The contract had been due to expire in September, with the extra year allowing further "due diligence" work to take place.
The direct award for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) network to CalMac is Transport Scotland’s preferred option.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "While good progress has been made on the due diligence related to a proposed direct award to CalMac, it will not be possible to conclude all of the processes by the 30th September, which is the end date of the current contract.
"We have made arrangements to extend the existing contract for 12 months. This will allow the due diligence process to robustly conclude and, subject to the outcome of that process, a final decision to be made on a direct contract award.
"I will provide a further update to Parliament later this year on progress and on timings for decision-making within the extended period."
Duncan Mackison, the interim chief executive of CalMac, welcomed the news.
He said: "CalMac is full of dedicated people who are passionate about delivering a reliable service for island communities.
"With six new major vessels due to join the fleet by 2026 and significant infrastructure upgrades at numerous ports and harbours under way or planned, we are confident that lifeline ferry services will continue to improve.
"During the extension period, we will be working hard to provide certainty and reliability, and listening closely to the views of local people who rely on our services most."