TRANSPORT union RMT has called on new First Minister John Swinney to step in to stop rail strikes and secure the future of CalMac ferries.

Just hours after Mr Swinney officially took office, the union said it is determined to place transport at the top of his in-tray.

ScotRail faces a guards’ dispute on the key Barrhead and East Kilbride commuter lines next week over the role of guards, and the future of state-owned CalMac hangs in the balance while the Scottish government decide on whether or not to invite other bidders for lifeline services across the islands of Scotland’s west coast.