Labour last night claimed the Scottish Government is "hell-bent on destroying" Caledonian MacBrayne's reputation for delivering lifeline ferry services and is packaging it up for a future sell-off.
Richard Baker, Labour's Infrastructure spokesman, said: "It is time for the Government to come clean on their intentions for west coast ferry routes."
The RMT union is balloting ferry crews for industrial action, amid fears the door is being opened to private sector operators. But Transport Scotland has insisted there are no such plans.
A spokesman said: "The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to our remote communities and ensuring we deliver, on a progressive basis, safe and reliable ferry services."
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