Comment posted Was this a fair tender process? Government cuts Orkney ferry frequencies within days of Serco contract award by newsroom.
Many thanks. This is very helpful.
newsroom also commented
- We gave the information direct from the government tender document – which is hardly unresearched.
If you have other documentary evidence to the contrary, why not give links to it so that readers may see it for themselves, rather than make what at the moment are unsupported declarations?
Recent comments by newsroom
- Serenissima waits for higher tide – and she has had earlier identities
We are, of course aware of that.
Watching at the time, what we saw her do was make marked changes of course over a short distance, some times at 90 degrees and at one point turning through 180 degrees three times in a row.
While some of this could have swinging to tide and current, the repetitions did seem to suggest controlled activity.
And it was only when she settled that her AIS recorded ‘At Anchor.’ - Update on SNP meeting
As we have said, the potential Holyrood candidate offered support for SNP selection against Mr Mackenzie, as we reported,is not a political figure – and that includes Mr Allan, who is certainly one such.
We will identify the person concerned when selection time comes around but not until then. Until that point, it is not the person offered the goodie bag who matters, it is the easy use of the patronage of the pork barrel to buy obligation where it might be personally useful – and the continuing failure of loyalties.
Councillor Semple is certainly much more experienced than Councillor Taylor and has held a range of senior responsibilities.
The ‘why not’ question is one for the party and it would be interesting to know the answer.
Councillor Semple is apparently to be given the Economic Development brief – which would be far more personally developmental than trying to lead, with no authority whatsoever, in the current circumstances, with party control now at the level of ‘submission of intent in advance and sign-off – or not’. - Good news from salmon farming sector: Marine Harvest breaks ranks and seeks ASC certification
The ‘end of the decade’ limitation is germane and explain why S&TAS rightly gave the news no more than a qualified welcome.
It is as admission that change is necessary, though – so it’s important to push for that to be sooner rather than at the end of 2019. There is no reason why it should not be. - Update on SNP meeting
The fact that Mr Allan was asked and agreed not to resign does not negate the fact that he was to resign – and should have done so.
Councillor McCuish was persuaded not to resign and will have to make his mind up at what point he puts the interests of his constituents before those of his party.
Sandy Taylor IS a novice councillor.
As a former council officer and not at the most senior level, it is hard to see how he would – if he were to be voted Council Leader – successfully translate to being senior to those who have been his own line managers.
The fact that he has not been able to protect his group of councillors from tightened control measures from party central does not suggest someone with what it takes to stand ground over those he perceives to be his seniors. - SNP meeting on Monday may be testing time for mega-coalition proposal
We’re not going to do a ’20 questions’ routine but, to let local politicians off the hook, it’s not any of them.
And we’re now taking a vow of silence.
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Well I wait with baited breath to see how The Doc, DMH, Morag, Anne and the rest of the usual suspects put a positive spin on this, the latest bit of chicanery by the SNP!
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once again the snp cannot be trusted , they,ll tell you anything to get your vote
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@ Newsroom: You will find up-to-date transport statistics on the Transport Scotland website. To save you from having to search for it yourselves, here’s the link to the 2011 figures.
http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j205779-00.htm
Given traffic levels on the Pentland Firth service mid-winter — the midday crossing usually only carries a handful of vehicles, often in single figures — I am left wondering if any other bidder saw savings to be made by omitting it when really it’s not needed. Yes, I know it’s supposedly a ‘Lifeline Service’, but be realistic about this — there are still two other NorthLink sailings and also Banksie’s catamaran running three times a day too. Did Northlink themselves (or anyone else) bid to run three runs every day? Without knowing that, criticising Serco is a bit harsh in this instance.
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Many thanks. This is very helpful.
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“When the change of service provider was announced following the tendering process, Orkney and Shetland were assured that they would see improvements to the services. Is this it?”
I am sure Transport Scotland will find some way to claim its a better service. The claim does not need to have any basis in reality. Look at the improved service we got in Dunoon with bigger boats!
Does the Orkney service include relief vessels or has that been “improved” so that sailings get cut in half anytime a vessels breaks down or needs serviced – as in Dunoon.
It is a good point about the contract being changed immediately after companies bid, though presumably even Transport Scotland were not stupid enough to leave themselves exposed.
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The forArgyll article stated “The issue with which we are concerned is whether this substantial change of required service provision, coming to son after the award of contract, invalidates the tender”
But, as I now understand it, the tender specification essentially invited bidders to reduce from 3 to 2 return crossings per weekday for the non-peak period. The non-peak period was not specified and had to be defined by the bidder.
So most of this article was un-researched forargyll speculation about an article read somewhere else and then regurgitated as news and information.
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We gave the information direct from the government tender document – which is hardly unresearched.
If you have other documentary evidence to the contrary, why not give links to it so that readers may see it for themselves, rather than make what at the moment are unsupported declarations?
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Having watched Question Time the other night, I was astounded at the paucity of comment in favour of the union. Even Forsyth made an idiot of himself.
It does appear, yet again, our very own SNP are leading the charge for a ‘NO’ vote in 2014. Their defense probably will be something to do with Green issues or European rules…
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