New bridge contracts row

A FIFTH of sub-contracts generated by the creation of a new Forth bridge are going outwith Scotland, it has emerged.

Despite the SNP promising the £ 1.6 billion construction project would be an economic shot in the arm for the country, it has been revealed 29 of the 135 sub-contracts have gone to foreign firms.

Among those who have benefited from the deals are companies in Spain, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands.

Much of the work going overseas is more technically demanding engineering tasks.

So far, Scottish firms, have been handed jobs amounting to £72 million, many involving less skilled tasks such as security, fencing and plant hire.

The revelation follows anger this year at a £79m contract for fabricating steel for the crossing going abroad.

Mid Scotland Fife MSP John Park said: “These figures show that the SNP, as usual, over-egged the impact the Forth replacement crossing contracts would have on Scottish industry.

“When only 72 of these contracts have gone to Scottish firms, with only £72m from a £1.6bn project going to Scottish workers, it blows apart their claim that the ‘biggest infrastructure project for a generation’ would provide a lasting legacy of Scottish jobs.”

The sub-contracts come under the £790m contract awarded by Transport Scotland to the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors consortium, in which Scottish companies are working with firms from Spain, Germany and the US.

The three caissons which will allow the foundations of the bridge to be laid were designed in Germany, built and tested in Poland and put in place by a Spanish firm.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “With 80% of the project still to go, there remains scope for more Scottish businesses to be involved. The award of all further sub-contracts for additional supply of services and materials by the main contractors are a wholly commercial matter for the firms.”