BOSSES at CalMac are to boost local employment in Inverclyde and take on apprentices as part of the £900m ferry services contract they have won today.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has explained why the company has secured the contract to run Clyde and Hebrides ferry services.

It triumphed after pledging to retain its Gourock HQ, and its bid also made over 300 commitments to improve the service, drive economic growth, improve customer service and deliver value for money.

The package includes £6m in vessel and port improvements, introduction of smart and integrated ticketing systems, an increase in passenger/vehicle traffic of 10 per cent and carrying more commercial traffic.

Crucially, CalMac will provide 'more opportunities for local employment, including more apprenticeships'.

It has also pledged to do more to involve communities in investment and services decisions.

In addition to these headline proposals, CalMac has committed to retaining the pension scheme and a policy of no compulsory redundancies.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “CalMac have a long and proud tradition of running the Clyde and Hebrides routes, and the company is woven into the fabric of the communities they serve.

“Their tender offers a good deal for those communities served by these vital transport links and ensures that we can maximise the opportunities to support and nurture our island economies.

“CalMac will better manage demand to drive an increase in traffic, as well as make the ferry services more attractive with the introduction of smart ticketing on key routes.

“The Scottish Government has made a clear commitment to our ferry services, investing a record £1 billion in port infrastructure, vessels and services since 2007.

“Scottish ministers will retain control of all of important issues, such as fares and timetables, through the public service contract. Vessels and port infrastructure will also remain publicly owned as they are now.

“This new contract looks to make further improvements our ferry services, and I look forward to CalMac starting the new contract later this year.”

Meanwhile the leader of the SNP group on Inverclyde Council and chair of the Clyde Ferry Users' Group has welcomed the Scottish Government's decision.

Gourock councillor Chris McEleny said he had supported the Cal Mac bid from the beginning and believes the contract award is good news for the area and ferry customers.

He said: "Cal Mac is a great employer and I am delighted that we will see them remain in Gourock thanks to the Scottish Government's decision to award them the contract.

"Key pledges of the CalMac bid were to retain headquarters in Gourock which safeguards hundreds of quality local jobs that support our economy. Furthermore there was a commitment to create more local opportunities and create more apprenticeships, this is great news for young people looking for opportunities.

"As local councillor for Gourock I look forward to working with Cal Mac to continue to improve our area and as chair of the ferry users' group I look forward now to sitting down to discuss timetables for next season."

Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan added: “I am delighted to learn that CalMac, a Living Wage employer, have won the ferry contract to continue operating the Clyde and Hebrides Ferries Network.

“Having previously met with representatives of CalMac and Serco to discuss their bids it was pleasing to learn that both showed a commitment to Inverclyde. It was reassuring to learn from CalMac that they guarantee their headquarters will remain in Gourock.

“As constituency MP for Inverclyde I’m delighted the decision is now taken and I look forward continuing to work with CalMac.”