Ferry inquiry

Sir,

I noticed last week’s Banner mentioned the Edinburgh Trams fiasco.

Its inquiry was first announced six years ago and is still ongoing, despite then First Minister Alex Salmond stating a report would be available in six months (cost to date £11 m).

A major failure in that project was not assigning responsibility for the preparatory works (digging up roads, moving utility services) to the main contractor.

Nor was Transport Scotland involved, whose senior management team consist of seven directors. Five directors are chartered engineers. However, the director of aviation, maritime, freight and canals previously practised as a solicitor. This seems an unusual background for such a range of responsibilities.

I have not seen a date when the ferry inquiry report is due to be published.

My concern is that the wording for the inquiry in to ‘the construction and procurement of ferry vessels’ will not cover the pre-tender work and decisions.

It could gloss over the fundamental aspects of the ferry design e.g practical and viability of concept, insistence on LNG, advice on Ardrossan harbour entrance.

No doubt the team involved in the design of the Brodick terminal would give helpful advice. I await with interest to see if there is another attempt by the Scottish Government to influence the outcome with ‘contractor failure’. Yours,

Robin Gardner

Lamlash and Milton of Campsie