THE tendering process for the Arran ferry has begun – amid Labour fears that it could usher in privatisation.

The next contract to run the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) worth £1billion will run from October 1, 2016 for a duration of up to eight years.

A shortlist of bidders will be asked to submit tenders in June, with the successful bidder likely to be announced in May next year.

It is expected that the two main contenders for the contract will be existing operator CalMac and the public services outsourcing giant Serco who were awarded the Northlink service to the Northern Isles by the Scottish Government in 2012.

Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran Katy Clark has concerns the re-tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides services raises the prospect of them being run in the private sector.

Ms Clark said: “The Scottish Government’s decision to re-tender CHFS raises the very real possibility of services to and from Arran and Cumbrae being privatised next year.

“The STUC and CalMac trade unions have  convincingly highlighted that there is no need for the Scottish Government to press ahead with this expensive and disruptive process but sadly Scottish Ministers have refused to listen.” “The Scottish Government’s track record on protecting our ferry services does not inspire confidence.  “Should privatisation go ahead I am concerned we will see above inflation fare increases and less reliable services, as has been the case on the Northern Isle routes since they were privatised in 2012.” Ms Clark added: “There has also been a decline in industrial relations on these routes with decreased staffing levels and attempted attacks on pension rights.

“We do not want to see this on services here.

“I am calling on the Scottish Government to think again, to cancel this unnecessary exercise and to keep our ferries in the public sector.” However, North Ayrshire Council leader Willie Gibson has welcomed the news.

The SNP councillor told the Herald: “Arran is one of our most popular tourist destinations so this is great news for North Ayrshire and, of course, Arran in particular.”