Caledonian MacBrayne – CalMac – has a history that stretches back more than 170 years. The name is synonymous with the west coast of Scotland, providing vital lifeline ferry services and carrying millions of people each year to and from the islands and remote peninsular communities. CalMac is a major local employer both on shore and at sea.
In 2006, the Scottish Executive decided that under EU rules ferry services were required to be put out to tender. This presented an issue, as the vessels required to operate the services and many of the ports to which services ran were owned by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd., giving it an unfair advantage over potential competitors.
The solution was to rename Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. as Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. (CMAL) so that vessels and ports would be retained in state ownership, while a separate ferry operations company, CalMac Ferries Ltd. (CFL), was created. CFL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of David MacBrayne Ltd., which is wholly owned by Scottish Ministers. CMAL also retained ownership of the Caledonian MacBrayne brand, which CFL uses as a trading name under licence from CMAL. The lion rampant device is also used by CFL with the permission of CMAL.
In 2007, the contract to provide services under the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) was awarded to CFL for six years. CMAL leases the vessels and piers to the operator of the CHFS (currently CFL) and is also responsible for the procurement of new ships and the maintenance and development of port facilities in its ownership. Some ports are owned by local authorities or private harbour trusts/authorities.
Monthly Performance Statistics
As Scotland’s largest ferry operator, providing lifeline services to island communities, Caledonian MacBrayne strives to deliver a safe, punctual and reliable service. Figures for the previous month are updated each month and can be found using the buttons below:
Caledonian MacBrayne’s performance by route in terms of reliability and punctuality. Figures for the previous month, with latest figures added each month.
Regional Performance Scorecards provide detailed monthly insights into the performance across regions including Clyde North, Clyde South, Argyll, Kintyre, and both North and South Hebrides.
Caledonian MacBrayne’s performance by island in terms of reliability and punctuality. Figures for the previous month, with latest figures added each month.
Annual Performance Reports
The Annual Report for CalMac Ferries Limited can be downloaded here
Island Transportation 