22/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - The vice-president of the Commission in charge of transport, Jacques Barrot, met the Scottish Transport Minister, Tavish Scott, who took over from Nicol Stephen one month ago, on 18 July. The aim of the meeting was to pursue discussion on the thorny problem of the state-owned ferry company, Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), which has lasted six years. CalMac is a limited company which assures the all-year link with 23 islands off the Scottish Atlantic coast and the Clyde Estuary. Commissioner Barrot insisted that Scotland should comply with European rules regarding non-discrimination, openness and accessibility for all Community transporters, which has entailed the organisation of a tendering process despite opposition from the Scottish parliament. Last week, Prime Minister Jack McConnell had, moreover, stated that he personally preferred CalMac to remain a public service but that one should not fear tendering if this is the only solution possible for remaining in line with European law.