Concern over Cal-Mac ‘offshoring’

Reports that Caledonian MacBrayne, the state-owned Scottish ferry company, is planning to offshore its crew is causing concern that the company may be privatised.

Angus MacNeil, SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (the Western Isles), has been approached by Cal-Mac staff concerned that the Scottish government is easing the way for competitive tendering on Cal-Mac’s lifeline island routes.

“I understand a meeting took place in Gourock on Tuesday and I am concerned that Cal-Mac will be announcing a move offshore,” said Mr MacNeil, who believes offshoring would save the Scottish Executive £1.2 million pounds as Cal-Mac would cease to pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions.

He added: “This shows the privatisation of Cal-Mac is still on the Lib-Lab Executive’s agenda. The company is trying to offshore as part of an ongoing competitive tender process despite the clear vote in the Scottish Parliament.”