There has been support across the political spectrum after Caledonian MacBrayne was awarded a new £900m contract to continue to operate the Clyde and Hebrides ferries network, including the two Arran routes.
As reported in The Banner last week, the SNP Government has confirmed that Calmac Ferries Limited is the preferred operator for the next contract which will run for eight years from October, beating private rival Serco.
Commenting on the announcement, newly re-elected Arran MSP Kenneth Gibson said: ‘I’m delighted by the confirmation that CalMac is the preferred bidder to operate the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services as I have said all along they should and would be.