28/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission decided on Wednesday 28 October 2009 that public financing for the operation of ferry shipping services in Scotland is compatible with EU state aid rules. However, this decision is subject to the condition that the national authorities launch a transparent and non-discriminatory public tender for the operation of the Gourock-Dunoon route in the Western Islands. The national authorities have pledged to issue a call for tender before the end of the year for a contract to run the ferry line,. The public service contract to be awarded would have to come into force by July 2011. The Commission says it will continue to closely monitor the public financing of the Scottish ferry transport system in order to avoid any undue distortion of competition. (O.L. trans fl)