they were planning to build a new vessel with a carrying capacity of 400 passengers and 70 vehicles and services were expected to begin in 2012. In September 2011 managing director Gordon Ross announced that the Arran project is still very much alive but will be delayed by the uncertainty as to whether the Arran route will be tendered separately from the main CalMac bundle in 2013. Community involvement The company has a high profile in the communities it serves. There is significant investment in employing local workers and in locally sourced goods and services. Funds are made available for the sponsorship of local groups, individuals, sports organisations and charities. Western Ferries sponsors local sporting events including the Cowal Highland Gathering. The company provides a call-out service through the night for the Scottish Ambulance Service, for ambulances carrying emergency cases to hospitals in Greenock, Paisley and Glasgow Fleet Present fleet The company runs a fleet of four purpose-built car ferries. Historic fleet References Notes Bibliography External links Ferry companies of Scotland Transport in Argyll and Bute Companies based in Argyll and Bute Transport companies established in 1968 1968 establishments in Scotland Cowal Firth of Clyde