Delivering the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services Contract

The Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) contract is the framework through which Caledonian MacBrayne delivers lifeline ferry services across Scotland’s west coast, on behalf of Transport Scotland and Scottish Ministers. 

On 1 October 2025, we entered a new chapter with the start of CHFS3 – a ten-year contract that sets clear expectations for a service that is safe, reliable, accessible, sustainable and integrated with wider transport networks. 

Unlike previous contracts, CHFS3 is not simply a commercial arrangement. It represents a shift to a public service model, placing communities at the heart of decision-making. This means working differently – listening more, being more transparent, and ensuring services reflect the realities of island life. 

At Caledonian MacBrayne, our success is inseparable from the success of the communities we serve. That’s why we are committed to improving every journey – for every customer, every day. We will strengthen relationships with local communities and stakeholders, and we will be open and accountable about how we deliver the services people rely on. 

This is more than a contract – it’s a commitment to deliver a ferry service that works socially, economically and environmentally for the years ahead. 

Our Corporate Plan 2025–2031 sets out how we will deliver on these commitments. It provides a clear route from strategy to action, supported by: 

  • Annual Plans – translating long-term priorities into yearly goals
  • Delivery Plans – outline our commitment to excellence and how we meet contractual obligations 

Together, these plans create a transparent framework that links vision to delivery – ensuring that every decision we make supports our purpose: to navigate the waters, ensuring life thrives wherever we are.