Sturgeon adviser launches attack over ferries price tag

Billionaire Jim McColl has revealed Nicola Sturgeon publicly announced the £97 million price tag for two CalMac ferries before cost negotiations with his shipyard were completed.

The first minister was dragged into the scandal over the spiralling costs of the two vessels when Mr McColl gave evidence to Holyrood yesterday.

Mr McColl, a prominent Yes supporter and one of Ms Sturgeon’s economic advisers, called for a public inquiry into the construction of the two ferries destined for the Hebridean and Clyde routes.

The entrepreneur said his Ferguson Marine shipyard was “stuck” with the £97m price tag, even though the firm had been holding out for £103m.

Ms Sturgeon’s role emerged as Mr McColl launched a scathing attack on the first minister and her ministers’ failure to get a grip on the crisis.

Mr McColl went as far as accusing Finance Secretary Derek Mackay of defaming Ferguson Marine management during a Holyrood statement that was highly critical of their handling of the project.

Since the first minister’s announcement that Ferguson Marine would build the ferries, their cost has soared to around £250m and their completion dates have been repeatedly delayed.

Mr McColl agreed that the contract signing had been rushed when he appeared before MSPs on Holyrood’s rural economy committee.

Ms Sturgeon announced that Ferguson would be building the boats in August 2015 on a visit to the yard which coincided with a visit to Faslane by then Chancellor George Osborne to announce £500m for the nuclear base.

“Before we agreed the negotiation, the first minister had announced we had been selected as preferred bidders and that the price was £97m or £96.8m,” Mr McColl said.

Jim McColl says cost talks for the ferries were not finalised before Ms Sturgeon announced the price tag.