Question reference: S6W-03823
- Asked by: Richard Leonard, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 19 October 2021 Registered interest
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Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 16 November 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) regarding tendering of the contract for new ferries for the Isles of Islay and Jura, and on which dates (a) Ministers and (b) Transport Scotland officials have met CMAL officials to discuss the tendering process for this contract since 1 January 2019 to date.
Answer
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) is a public body and, as such, are bound by the Scottish public procurement regulations and must competitively tender projects of this value. CMAL ensured they followed the procurement regulations; considering quality, value for money and the timely delivery of vessels to serve our island communities.
In line with normal procurement practice, Scottish Government Ministers had no role in the process or in assessing the bids. No meetings between CMAL and Ministers have taken place specifically to discuss the tender process for the new ferries earmarked to replace current vessels serving Islay.
Transport Scotland officials hold regular working group meetings with CMAL along with CalMac and have done so from January 2019 when the project was initiated. These regular meetings are still ongoing.