Contract notice
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
The Highland Council
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness
IV3 5NX
UK
Contact person: Laura Carpenter
Telephone: +44 1467530600
E-mail: laura.carpenter@highland.gov.uk
NUTS: UKM6
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.highland.gov.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00045
I.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 abovementioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be sent electronically to:
https://publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Provision of Cromarty-Nigg Ferry Service
II.1.2) Main CPV code
60610000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
Seasonal ferry service between Cromarty - Nigg - five year contract with option to extend
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
300 000.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
60610000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM61
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Ferry tender Cromarty-Nigg
II.2.5) Award criteria
Criteria below:
Quality criterion: Quality Elements
/ Weighting: 20
Price
/ Weighting:
80
II.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT:
300 000.00
GBP
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start:
01/04/2026
End:
30/09/2030
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
option for up to two years' extension
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
Yes
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
IV.2) Administrative information
IV.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date:
23/02/2026
Local time: 12:00
IV.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
EN
IV.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date:
23/02/2026
Local time: 12:00
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement:
No
VI.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)
VI.4) Procedures for review
VI.4.1) Review body
Inverness Justice Centre
The Inverness Justice Centre, Longman Road
Inverness
IV1 1AH
UK
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
04/02/2026