CalMac directly awarded new ferry service contract
The Scottish government said the service would now be focused on a "public service model" instead of being run on a commercial basis.
The contract for the Clyde and Hebridean Ferry Service (CHFS) had been due to expire last September but was extended by a year.
Ministers had indicated that a direct award was their preference, but they needed more time to ensure this could be done without a legal challenge.
CalMac is the UK's biggest ferry operator and has held the most recent contract to run Scotland's west coast routes since 2016, serving 50 destinations.
But the firm has struggled in recent years to maintain services with an ageing and increasingly unreliable fleet.
Since 2007 the ships and some of the harbours it relies on have been owned by a separate government-owned company, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd or CMAL in a move designed to comply with EU competition rules.
Delays in replacing the older vessels, in part due to the problems with two new dual-fuel ferries ordered a decade ago, have stretched the service almost to breaking point, with many vessels beyond their expected service life.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Return to Hibs for Triantis unlikely after wage rise
Hibernian's hopes of signing Nectarios Triantis on a record permanent transfer following last season's loan have suffered a blow after the 22-year-old Australia midfielder triggered a significant wage increase as a result of Sunderland's promotion back to the Premier League that the Scottish Premiership club would struggle to match. (Sunday Mail) Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
📸 Glasgow City unveil brilliant history-making 2025/26 home kit
Glasgow City have unveiled their 2025/26 home shirt, created in collaboration with women's sports retailer Foudy's. The launch follows a sold-out 'First List' campaign, in which the kit sold out before its design or the club involved was even revealed. Club CEO Laura Montgomery described the release as a step forward in promoting women's football and partnering with women-led businesses. Foudy's founder Helen Hardy called the collaboration a statement of 'innovation, leadership, community and ambition.' Supplied by Adidas, the shirt incorporates details reflecting the club's history and was launched at Glasgow Women's Library to highlight the club's commitment to women's voices on and off the pitch. It is now available via Foudy's, with Glasgow City opening their Scottish Women's Premier League season against Motherwell at Petershill Park next weekend.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
ICAS influences government rethink on third-party tax data reporting
The UK Government has made changes to its proposals on how third-party data is reported to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) after feedback from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and other stakeholders. In June, ICAS responded to a consultation on how data provided by third parties could be improved and used to help taxpayers get their tax right, particularly through more accurate PAYE coding and the pre-population of returns. The consultation covered financial account information – such as bank and building society interest (BBSI) – and card sales data from merchant acquirers. ICAS' submission focused on BBSI, dividends and other investment income, representing the perspective of agents and individual taxpayers. While supporting the aim of improving coding and pre-population, the institute cautioned that changes to data provision alone would not guarantee accurate tax outcomes without corresponding upgrades to HMRC's digital systems and processes. The body recommended quarterly, rather than monthly, BBSI reporting and raised concerns over a proposal requiring financial institutions to collect National Insurance Numbers (NINOs) from all customers, warning it could result in 'debanking' for those without NINOs. In its official response, published alongside draft legislation on 'Legislation Day' (L-Day), the government confirmed it will adopt quarterly reporting for financial account information. The shift reflects industry feedback, including from ICAS, that monthly reporting would create significant cost and administrative burdens for providers. HMRC has urged data suppliers to modernise and automate processes to prepare for future real-time requirements. The government also acknowledged ICAS' concerns on NINO collection. Financial institutions will not be penalised if they cannot obtain NINOs from existing customers, provided they make 'reasonable efforts' – a definition HMRC will develop in consultation with the sector. For new accounts, processes will align with requirements for Individual Savings Accounts. While ICAS welcomed safeguards to reduce the risk of debanking, it warned that added administration could still deter institutions from serving customers without NINOs. ICAS backed plans for investment platforms, managers and financial institutions to report dividend and investment income to HMRC but stressed the need for itemised data in coding notices and pre-populated returns. A single total could mislead taxpayers into believing all dividends are included. The institute also called for a simple online reporting route for individuals and agents. The government has pledged further engagement with industry before finalising any changes. ICAS continues to invite member feedback to inform its ongoing policy work and discussions with HMRC. "ICAS influences government rethink on third-party tax data reporting " was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
