The Scottish Government-controlled Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) has been given a year-long extension to its contract to run lifeline ferry services along the entire west coast, stretching from the Outer Hebrides to the Firth of Clyde.

The contract with CalMac, reports The Herald, was made following delays in deciding on the long-term future of the operator, which has the largest domestic route network and ferry fleet in the UK and provides around 136,000 sailings a year.

The Edinburgh government has confirmed that it will be unable to conclude its investigations into whether CalMac should be awarded the contract "in propriety" in time for the conclusion of the current deal, which is to expire later this year on 30 September.

Fiona Hyslop, the Transport Minister, is now planning to allow CalMac to have a year-long extension (of up to 12 months) to enable the ferry firm, that runs 29 routes with 33 vessels, to conclude its work.

The company based on the Clyde in Gourock (see ex. Aran Islands ferry), has previously admitted there is a material uncertainty over its future as a going concern. This is because of outstanding questions that remain over whether the company will continue to run lifeline island services which range from 5 minute crossings to 7 hours.

The preferred option of the Scottish Government, has been to provide an uncontested direct public contract to CalMac, the ferry operator it owns, to run an ageing ferry fleet without going through a competitive tendering process. Such an option has been opposed by its community board, and no decision has yet been taken by ministers at the Holywood administration.

More here on the ferry contract.