How it plans to take forward its proposals to tender the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.

I have today published, for consultation, the draft Invitation to Tender (ITT), which includes the service specification, for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. This sets out our proposals for tendering. I have also published an accompanying consultation document Proposals for Tendering Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services which explains the principles adopted in the service specification and seeks views on options. At the heart of these proposals is our commitment to protecting existing levels of fares and the level of services and ensuring that safety is a priority at all times. I believe that the service specification achieves this. The key elements are:The network will be tendered as a whole. The European Commission took account of the case we made for this and the way is now clear for the Executive to proceed on this basis. Overwhelming support was expressed for this option in response to the previous consultation Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services. This will maximise service reliability for the communities served, simplify the process for management of vessels and provide economies of scale in company management, safety and quality systems. It also avoids cherry picking of routes and facilitates integrated transport through co-ordinated timetabling of services.Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services explained that the EC rules ruled out the possibility of subsidy for mainland-to-mainland routes. Through our representations, we have been able make inroads to secure these routes. I am delighted to confirm that both of the mainland-to-mainland routes in the current Undertaking (Gourock to Dunoon and Tarbert to Portavadie) will be included in the single bundle. This is based on the European Commission's assessment that the land-based routes do not provide viable alternatives. This is welcome news and will mean that subsidy for these services can continue. We also explained that Public Service Obligations (PSOs) can be imposed for scheduled services to ports serving peripheral areas or thinly served routes considered vital only where the operation of market forces would not ensure a sufficient service level. Nevertheless, we decided to make strong representations for the continuation of the approved Gourock to Dunoon passenger service. This is consistent with our integrated transport policies. However, following discussions with the Commission we have concluded that the service for Gourock to Dunoon should be restricted to a passenger only service to comply with EC rules for PSOs). This is because the case for a vehicle service is undermined by the existence of an unsubsidised private sector competitor nearby. We are pleased that the Commission accepted the arguments for a continued passenger only service which will carry passengers between the railhead at Gourock and Dunoon.New services
- We undertook to review the Out of Undertaking services and I am pleased to announce that we will expand the services to include two services that are currently outwith the Undertaking. These are:Mallaig to Armadale winter vehicle service, andTarbert to Portavadie winter service.I also propose further new services as follows:Sound of Barra and Sound of Harris
- The Executive recently announced funding for a new CalMac ferry for the Sound of Harris route. This will allow a vessel to be deployed to provide a new service for the Sound of Barra and also enhanced services for the Sound of Harris. Kilchoan to Tobermory winter passenger service
- This service is currently provided by the local community with financial support from various sponsors including the local authorities. The current winter service is a passenger only service and it is proposed that it will remain so with a vehicle service provided during the summer (as now). This will ensure vital links between Tobermory and Kilchoan are secured.Enhanced Oban services
- a new vessel is being built to