• The tender process for the Dunoon-Gourock ferry service has been cancelled and the running of the service is to be taken over by CalMac as part of its Hebrides and Clyde tender as of January 21.
Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell said: ‘This decision will provide much needed long-term stability for the route and contains a commitment to look for improvements to the service and find new passengers. It also seeks to address infrastructure needs and I will press for those decisions to be made as soon as possible.’
• Within a month of launching its pioneering Highland Parcels (www.highlandparcels.com) delivery service, Menzies Distribution is seeing strong demand from consumers and businesses.