FERRY operator Caledonian MacBrayne has today welcomed confirmation by the Scottish Executive that the company has been nominated as preferred bidder for the provision of ferry services to the Northern Isles. Caledonian MacBrayne Chairman Director Harold Mills said: "The Company is delighted that the status of our bid has now been clarified, and we look forward to taking the remaining discussions forward with a view to taking over the service as scheduled by the Scottish Executive. CalMac has always believed that we could produce a compelling bid for the services and the Company is delighted that all our hard work has taken us to this stage. We now look forward to completing the outstanding arrangements and we will work closely with local communities and the Scottish Executive to achieve the aspirations set out in our bid document."