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A public consultation is drawing to a close on the Scottish government's plan to award a new contract to Calmac to run west coast ferry services.

The preferred option of Scottish ministers is to make a direct award of the contract to Calmac without having to go through a competitive bidding process.

The legality of the plan is still being examined and a final decision is expected this summer.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said continuing with Calmac would not be business as usual and improvements to services would be expected.