An expert group tasked with scrutinising the tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services has said the initial process was “fair, open and transparent”.
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) is competing with Serco Caledonian Ferries for the next contract to run the routes to the Western Isles.
The tendering had been hotly disputed between unions, CalMac and the Scottish Government.
Now, the panel’s report into the first stage of the tendering process – as well as the Interim Invitation to Tender (ITT) – have now been published on the Transport Scotland website.
Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “From the outset, we have pledged to make this a fair, open and transparent procurement process.
“The publication of both the first report from the Independent Procurement Reference Panel and the Interim ITT underlines that commitment.
“The first report from the panel concluded that the terms of the Initial ITT process were fair, open and transparent to both bidders.
“The panel has held two meetings which have proved very useful, and further meetings are scheduled to take place to review and provide comment on both the Interim ITT and Final ITT documents.”
The panel was set-up in the wake of the industrial dispute between unions, CalMac and the Scottish Government over the tender.
The expert group included member of the Western Isles Council and Argyll and Bute Council, as well as local community councils.