Sustainable competition? Ferries and competition on the Clyde

The Gourock-Dunoon (G-D) ferry route is presently under review. A consultants report (Deloitte & Touche) on mis route was commissioned by the last government and is due to be released soon for public consultation, though its release has been subject to some delay. There are two runs on the G-D route, one operated by CalMac the state-owned operator and one by Western, a private operator. The consultants report is expected to detail a number of options for radical change, most of which apparently involve the closure of one or other of the runs on this route. Since this route is only one of many in the Scottish system, it is worthwhile asking why it merits such attention.