History
The roots of the David MacBrayne Group stretch back to 1851 with the formation of the steamer company David Hutcheson & Co which had three partners – David Hutcheson, Alexander Hutcheson and David MacBrayne.
Since 1851, there have been several organisational changes, one of the most significant of which took place in 1969 when Caledonian Steam Packet Company Ltd., operating Clyde services, and David MacBrayne, operating Western Isles services, became subsidiaries of the state-owned Scottish Transport Group.
In 1973, the Caledonian Steam Packet Company Ltd. was renamed Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. and took over responsibility for both the Clyde and Western Isles ferry operations. In 1990, the ownership of Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. was transferred to the Secretary of State for Scotland (now the Scottish Government).
In 2000 Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. and the Royal Bank of Scotland formed a joint venture, NorthLink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Ltd., which was successful in the tender for the contract to operate the Northern Isles ferry services. Three splendid new ships were built for the routes and NorthLink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Ltd. took over the contract in 2002.
In 2006, major corporate restructuring related to the provision of both the Northern Isles ferry services and the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services took place. David MacBrayne Ltd., which had lain dormant for a number of years, was reactivated and became parent company to the companies which, following tender processes, took over operation of the Northern Isles services, NorthLink Ferries Ltd., and the Clyde & Hebrides ferry services, CalMac Ferries Ltd.
Ownership of the vessels and piers required for the operation of the Clyde & Hebrides ferry services was retained by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd., which was renamed Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd., and which remained wholly owned by Scottish Ministers.
In 2009, management restructuring took place under which the role of David MacBrayne Ltd. was extended to include both group policy and strategic matters, as well as providing some shared services to all group companies.
Contact Us
Ferry Terminal, Gourock,
PA19 1QP
Telephone: 01475 650100