Firm withdraws from ferry tender

The international shipping company bidding to take over Caledonian MacBrayne ferry routes has pulled out of a contest, the BBC has learned
Isle of Man-based V.Ships’ announcement puts in jeopardy the entire Scottish Executive exercise.

It announced it is withdrawing from the tender exercise for the Gourock to Dunoon route.

BBC political correspondent Kit Fraser said the withdrawal could stall the whole exercise and lead to a rethink.