---
title: "Provision of School Transport Services, Ulva & Mull (1148L)"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06b9e4"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06b9e4"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06b9e4.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06b9e4.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL"
published: "2026-06-22"
---

# Provision of School Transport Services, Ulva & Mull (1148L)

Buyer: ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06b9e4

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## Summary

Argyll and Bute Council is currently seeking a vessel transport operator to provide school transport services between Ulva and Mull, as described in the active tender process titled "Provision of School Transport Services, Ulva & Mull (1148L)." This procurement falls under the transport services industry category and is being managed through an open procedure. The procurement process is in the tender stage, with submissions due by 23rd July 2026 at 12:00 PM BST. The contract period is from 17th August 2026 to 4th July 2031, with a potential extension of up to two years. The Council, a regional authority based in Lochgilphead, UK, emphasises electronic submission via the Public Contracts Scotland portal. This tender also includes community benefits, aligning with public sector procurement policies.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities for companies experienced in maritime transport services, particularly those with expertise in the navigation and piloting of ferries. Businesses capable of ensuring compliance with maritime safety regulations will find this opportunity highly relevant. The award criteria are heavily weighted towards price (75%) with a focus on quality making up the remaining 25%, suggesting competitive pricing and high service standards will be crucial for success. Companies interested will benefit from the recurring nature of the contract and the inclusion of electronic processes for tender management and invoicing, which can streamline operational efficiencies.

## Notice

Argyll and Bute Council are looking to Contract with a vessel transport operator who will provide safe and secure school transport between Ulva & Mull.

### Lot Information

Lot 1

Argyll and Bute Council are looking to contract with a vessel transport operator who will provide safe and secure school transport between Ulva & Mull.

Renewal: The Contract may be extended for up to 2 years at the option of Argyll and Bute Council, subject to satisfactory performance of the Contract and following discussions with the successful Tenderer.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/058409-2026 |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 22 Jun 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 23 Jul 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 16 Aug 2026 - 4 Jul 2031 |
| Recurrence | 4 years, 4 months, 20 days or 6 years, 4 month |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Active |
| Lots status | Active |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL |
| Locality | LOCHGILPHEAD |
| Post town | Paisley |
| Postcode | PA31 8RT |
| Country | Scotland |
| ITL 1 | TLM Scotland |
| ITL 2 | TLM2 Highlands and Islands |
| ITL 3 | TLM20 Highlands and Islands |
| Local authority | Argyll and Bute |
| Electoral ward | Mid Argyll |
| Westminster constituency | Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber |
| Delivery location | TLM63 Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh, Arran and Cumbrae, and Argyll and Bute |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

### Codes

- 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

## Release History

- 22 Jun 2026 at 10:28 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/058409-2026

## Notice URLs

- http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk
- http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000835226
- https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=835226
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00063
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06b9e4. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06b9e4.json.