Sidebar: This is not ‘business as usual’ – transport minister Fiona Hyslop
By Hugh Boag
The public on Arran had the first chance to quiz Transport Scotland officials this week after the surprise announcement last week that CalMac is to be handed a new west coast ferry service contract without it going to tender.
Officials from the national transport agency responsible for the new contract were in Brodick on Monday night for the first in a series of public engagement exercises across the country to find out the views of the public as to what they would like to see change.
Around 40 islanders turned up to the drop-in event, but there was criticism it had announced at short noice, poorly advertised and that the format of informal discussion with individuals was not the best way to gather information.
However, a Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We thank the members of the public who attended the community engagement session on Arran on Monday night for their constructive approach to the meeting.
“Direct engagement with communities and stakeholders will be crucial to inform the development of the new contract and the views put forward by the Arran community during the meeting are an important part of that process.”
The current eight-year contract was awarded to CalMac in 2016 and was due to expire at the end of Septmeber 2024.
However, in a surprise move late last week, transport minister Fiona Hyslop, in a statement to the Scottish parliament, said delivery of the next Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) contract – one of the biggest contracts this government oversees – would go to exisitng operator CalMac.
But she insisted such a move would not amount to “business as usual”.
She told parliament that government ministers’ “preferred way forward” was to explore a “Teckal arrangement” in accordance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Ms Hyslop said: “I want to be clear that, before any final decision is taken, a due diligence process will establish the feasibility of that approach from a financial, operational and legal perspective.
“In terms of value and importance to our island communities, this is one of the most
significant contracts this government will enter into and it is vital we get it right.
As I have said, there are a number of complex issues to be resolved before
committing to a final decision, including subsidy control, individual entity status and
associated accounting requirements.
“However, I can assure the chamber these will be examined via a thorough due
diligence exercise supported by specialist advisers, which I expect to be completed
to allow a final decision to be made by next summer. Central to that process,
ministers will seek assurance that a direct award would offer a value for money
solution.
“In the meantime, I assure island communities that I will continue to listen to those who have rightly asked for improved resilience; greater transparency; better communications; responsiveness and sensible flexibility in service and more
certainty for communities, service-users and staff.
“We will continue to engage with all of our communities and stakeholders to inform
the development of the new contract to ensure that, regardless of the ultimate
procurement route, we capture the improvements we all want to see. I understand community expectations for this service and I want to be absolutely clear – if we ultimately decide on a direct award, under no circumstances, would that simply mean business as usual.”
Robbie Drummond, chief executive of CalMac, said: “I very much welcome the announcement by the transport minister confirming the intention to explore a direct award for the next contract for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services to CalMac.
“With under a year remaining on the current contract, we welcome the opportunity to work alongside the Scottish government and Transport Scotland to ensure continuity of lifeline ferry services and a focus on continual improvement for communities across the Clyde and Hebrides. Taking the uncertainty out of the contract would allow us to focus all our efforts on improving service delivery, without the distraction of a highly resource-intensive procurement process.
“We have a highly skilled, committed and experienced staff who care deeply about island and rural communities and are passionate about delivering the best possible service.
“We will continue to work in partnership with local stakeholders and communities to ensure the best possible outcomes for everyone who relies on our services. We are also looking forward to welcoming six major and 10 small vessels into the fleet in the near future, which will build capacity and resilience across our network.
“This announcement by the minister will be well received by all staff working at CalMac. All of us at CalMac are committed to working together to focus our efforts on improving the service we deliver to our customers.”
Sidebar: can we pop this in a box
Arran MSP Kenneth Gibson told the Banner: “Reliable and resilient ferries remain crucial to the Arran economy, island life and the decision of people to remain on the island or relocate.
“That’s why in the Holyrood Chamber last week I again pressed the first minister, cabinet secretary and transport minister – all of whom are colleagues of mine – to ensure delivering an improved Arran ferry service is an absolute priority for the Scottish government.
“Not only do we need a more reliable and resilient service, a greater customer focus and ethos has to be more deeply embedded in the culture of CalMac, should it be directly awarded a contract to serve the Clyde and Hebrides for another decade.
“I was delighted the transport minister replied that ‘with regard to a new management culture emerging, it has to be supportive of customers and passengers and there must be greater transparency in communication and relationships. In delivering that, the community voice must be central to the future of the service’.
“That the cabinet secretary said of the MV Glen Sannox ‘deployment on the Arran route is expected to be in the summer, subject to completion of the build and successful sea trials’.
“And that the First Minister ‘is absolutely committed to investing in our ferry services’.
“The proof of the pudding is in the eating so I will continue to press such matters until Arran and its communities have the reliable and resilient ferry service it needs and deserves.”
Charles Fforde and community couniclllor Dr John Adam in conversation with a Transport Scotland official. 01_B47contract04_23_charles_john
A visitor struggles to read the high information panel. 01_B47contract03_23_wall_chart
Various discussions go on around Ormidale Pavilion. 01_B47contract02_23_ormidale_pavilion
An official talks to Robert Cumming and John Ford from Lochranza. 01_B47contract01_23_transport_scotland