Martin Dorchester to leave CalMac and David MacBrayne

Martin Dorchester joined CalMac in 2012

Martin Dorchester is to step down as managing director of Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries and chief executive of parent company David MacBrayne Ltd.

CalMac said he will leave the positions at the end of March next year.

Mr Dorchester said that after helping the companies to secure two major contracts it was now the right time for him to "seek new challenges".

Earlier this year, CalMac secured a its new Clyde and Hebrides Ferries Services contract.

Worth £900m, the contract will see the company continue to operate ferry services on Scotland's west coast for eight years.

David MacBrayne Ltd along with GBA Ltd successfully bid for a £1bn contract to operate the Marchwood Military Port in Southampton for the next 35 years.

Mr Dorchester has been with CalMac since 2012.