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The discontinuance or suspension of the procurement process is covered by the initial invitation to tender documents, Volume 1, Section 5.4. This is published on Transport Scotland’s website http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/ferries/clyde-and-hebrides.

I announced on 13 August 2015, during my visit to Shetland, that a comprehensive study of the Northern Isles ferry services would be carried out to inform the tender process for the next contract, due to commence in 2018. Vessel availability for the next contract will be one of the issues considered as part of the study.

We are in the process of commissioning an external consultant to undertake this study. In our invitation to tender we make clear that vessels should be considered as part of the study, and that detailed engagement with appropriate key stakeholders is required. A key stakeholder working group involving Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, HITRANS, ZetTrans and Transport Scotland will be established to oversee this study.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-28243 on 3 November 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-28139 on 5 November 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

As indicated in the answer to question S4W-27326 we are discussing that possibility with RBS, but no policy decisions have been taken at this stage.

I announced on 13 August 2015, during my visit to Shetland, that a comprehensive study of the Northern Isles ferry services would be carried out to inform the tender process for the next contract, due to commence in 2018. Vessel availability for the next contract will be one of the issues considered as part of that study.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-28139 on 5 November 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-28139 on 5 November 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-28139 on 5 November 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-28139 on 5 November 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ensure that there are no differences in the timetable for the (a) invitation for and (b) submission of further interim tenders for the (i) ferry services and (ii) harbour operation component of the 2016-24 contract for Clyde and Hebrides ferry services and whether it will bring forward the date of the invitation to submit a final tender.

S4W-28139

Derek Mackay: After delays in issuing the initial invitation to tender, to allow full engagement with trade union interests following industrial action this summer, and after discussion with both bidders, a revised timetable has been put in place:

To meet the requirements of a complex procurement exercise and ensure the continued provision of the Clyde and Hebrides lifeline ferry services from 1 October 2016, the procurement timeline currently anticipates the award of contract to be announced at the end of May 2016.