Tories say ‘stink of corruption growing’ over SNP Government ferries fiasco
THE Scottish Conservatives have claimed that the “stink of corruption is growing” over the SNP Government’s ferries fiasco.
The comment comes after The Herald on Sunday revealed details of a damning internal analysis from Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited over the two vessels being built by state-owned Ferguson Marine.
The report revealed that the number of faults that remain outstanding on the ferries has risen from 166 before nationalisation to 237 in March.
Some 65 per cent of them relate to safety, maintainability, or specification requirements. A second document produced on behalf of the shipyard suggested CMAL might even have no choice but to reject the ferries.
Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Liam Kerr said answers were needed: “The SNP’S mishandling of the ferries is a national scandal and the stink of corruption is growing.
“Years late and massively over budget, it now appears CMAL could reject Glen Sannox and Hull 802.
“Under scrutiny at Holyrood last week, Nicola Sturgeon’s attempts to push all the blame on to a former minister reeked of desperation.
“Meanwhile, islanders can’t get to work, hospital or get on with life as normal.
“The people of Scotland deserve answers and they deserve a public inquiry into this sordid mess.”
Libdem MSP Willie Rennie said: “This will come as worrying news for all the islanders who have been left without the ferries they need for years already.
“The ageing fleet is experiencing breakdown after breakdown and it’s having a crushing impact on rural businesses, tourism and everyone who relies on these services.
“The fact no SNP minister is willing to accept responsibility is galling. “
Officially, Glen Sannox and the as-yet-unnamed Hull 802 will be delayed until at least next year – more than five years later than planned – while costs have at least doubled from £97 million to £250m.
A CMAL spokesman said: “We are confident that outstanding issues can and will be rectified, and the vessels completed to enter service.
“The appointment of a permanent chief executive at the shipyard has been a welcome development, and we have further strengthened collaboration between our senior teams via the secondment of our senior vessels project director, which will provide added experience and expertise and improve decision making. We will continue to work in partnership and remain committed to the completion of the two ferries.”
A spokesman for Ferguson Marine said: “We are aware of legacy issues and, as such, have factored them into the amended plan being driven by the new CEO with the support of management, and working closely with workforce representatives and CMAL to ensure high standards of workmanship, health and safety compliance, and morale.”