CalMac in running for east coast business award

West coast ferry operator CalMac is in the running for a prestigious business award, for its work on the east coast.

The company has been shortlisted in the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards for its work in rejuvenating Perth Harbour.

They are in the running for the Perth & Kinross Council 'Beyond Scotland' award for a company who engages out with Scotland to attract business for the local economy. 

Since taking over the management of the harbour from Perth and Kinross Council last summer, CalMac has increased traffic at the facility by 31% and increased harbour fee income for the local authority by 400%. 

'When we took over this contract we wanted to breathe new life into the harbour, we saw it as much underused income generation stream for the council and wanted to see developed again as a valuable resource for the town,' said CalMac's Head of Ports and Harbours, Cameron MacPhail. 

'Getting shortlisted for this award is a confirmation that we are moving in the right direction.'

Types of cargo handled in the past year include timber, aggregates, the mineral Barite and fishmeal.  

Highlights have included a record cargo on one shipment of over 4000 cubic metres of timber and a visit by the 2500 tonnes Wilson Thames, the largest vessel handled by the port in recent years.

Picture shows: The 2500 tonne Wilson Thames was one of the biggest vessels to visit Perth harbour in recent years.

Councillor Chris Ahern, Chair of Perth Harbour Board welcomed the announcement. 

'In linking up with CalMac to manage Perth Harbour, we were looking to find ways to revitalise the facility and enhance its sustainability into the future. This shortlisting reflects the value already added to Perth Harbour and I hope this will continue to develop further.'

CalMac is currently in discussion with several new customers to further increase goods coming in and out of the harbour. 

As well as Perth, CalMac manages 26 Ports and Harbours from Brodick in the South to Tarbert on Harris in the north. 

The awards ceremony takes place in Crieff next month.