Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
The Highland Council
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness
IV3 5NX
Contact
Laura Carpenter
laura.carpenter@highland.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 1467530600
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00045
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
https://publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Provision of Cromarty-Nigg Ferry Service
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 60610000 - Ferry transport services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Seasonal ferry service between Cromarty - Nigg - five year contract with option to extend
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £300,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 60610000 - Ferry transport services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM61 - Caithness & Sutherland and Ross & Cromarty
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Ferry tender Cromarty-Nigg
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality Elements / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £300,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start date
1 April 2026
End date
30 September 2030
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
option for up to two years' extension
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: Yes
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
23 February 2026
Local time
12:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
23 February 2026
Local time
12:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.3) Additional information
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 30568. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/
A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:
Community Benefits - In addition to our requirements, please tell us what Community Benefits you propose to provide during the Contract Period. Community Benefits should be relevant and proportionate to the Services for which you are tendering.
Examples of Community Benefits could be:
Methods of engagement with the local community to ensure that the service is delivered in a way that maximises value to service users, responds to their needs and supports social inclusion;
Employment and training opportunities for the long term unemployed and disadvantaged individuals, short-term work experience placements (e.g. for senior school pupils), training, apprenticeships;
Environmental targets, including reduction of pollution or supporting walking, cycling or other green initiatives;
Additional provisions or concessions for school pupils travelling to/from school or on school trips;
Provision of advertising or other support for local businesses, or a commitment to obtain supplies from local businesses;
Practical or in-kind assistance to voluntary groups.
Other proposals may also be considered.
The Council can provide contact details for local community representatives on request if you wish to discuss possible community benefit provisions with them.
(SC Ref:819393)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Inverness Justice Centre
The Inverness Justice Centre, Longman Road
Inverness
IV1 1AH
Country
United Kingdom