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CalMac makes 'money-saving' split CalMac makes 'money-saving' split
(about 7 hours later)
State-owned ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is to be split into two new companies from the beginning of October, BBC Scotland has learned. State-owned ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is to be split into three new companies from October.
One of the companies will be registered in Guernsey in the Channel Isles, resulting in substantial tax savings. One of the companies is registered in Guernsey in the Channel Isles, resulting in substantial tax savings.
The other will retain actual ownership of ferries and remain based at Gourock in Inverclyde. The bulk of administrative staff will remain based at Gourock in Inverclyde, while ownership of the ferries will be transferred to a third company.
The RMT union said it had been re-assured by guarantees that staff pay and conditions would not be affected.The RMT union said it had been re-assured by guarantees that staff pay and conditions would not be affected.
'Competitive edge'
On 1 October, the bulk of CalMac's 600 crew and staff will transfer to a new company registered in the Channel Isles.
The Scottish Executive-owned company said it believed that going offshore would reduce its tax liabilities.
CalMac management said this could help it to become more competitive during the tendering process for its own routes.CalMac management said this could help it to become more competitive during the tendering process for its own routes.
The winner of the first tender, for the Gourock to Dunoon route, is expected to be announced at the end of October.The winner of the first tender, for the Gourock to Dunoon route, is expected to be announced at the end of October.
CalMac and Western Ferries have both tendered for the contract.CalMac and Western Ferries have both tendered for the contract.