Following the announcement of the new tender arrangements for Clyde and West Coast ferry services, SNP spokesman for the Highlands and Islands, Duncan Hamilton MSP said

"The fact that this announcement was made at noon on the last day of the Parliamentary term before the summer recess is a nonsense. These services impact on the lives of people all across the Highlands & Islands and the fact that MSP's will have to wait until September to cross-examine Ministers is pathetic. That's why I raised the matter as a point of order this afternoon in the chamber.

"On some of the routes, the Executive has looked to make up some seasonal services to year round routes and to develop some new routes at the same time. That is to be welcomed. Accessible affordable and frequent transport is the key to success for much of the West Coast economy and its development.

"However, I am very concerned about the decision to restrict the present CalMac car ferry service on the Clyde to a passenger only service in the new set up. As a policy it is illogical, anti-competitive and potentially illegal. It makes no sense commercially and will almost certainly inhibit much needed economic development in Cowal. By restricting Cal Mac - a public company - and giving preferential treatment to private operators like Western Ferries on the Clyde, the result will be a private monopoly encouraging private profit at the expense of the public purse.

"That decision will cause great anger amongst users in Dunoon and Cowal. No wonder the Executive was so keen to avoid Parliamentary scrutiny."