SNP ‘covering up’ Swinney’ s role in ferry scandal – Ross

Douglas Ross slammed an SNP “operation” to blame former government minister Derek Mackay for a ferry scandal, as crucial documents revealed John Swinney was involved in discussions on the final deal.

The Scottish Conservative leader clashed with Nicola Sturgeon during First Minister’s Questions after missing paperwork over the Ferguson Marine agreement was finally found.

Mr Ross said the deputy first minister was culpable for giving the deal the “green light” despite warnings it could face a legal challenge in court.

He added Mr Swinney was unable to spot obvious “banana skins” in the project, which has now seen the construction of two vessels delayed for years.

But Ms Sturgeon accused her Tory rival of “utter desperation” and said Mr Mackay was still ultimately responsible.

She claimed Mr Swinney had merely been given sight of the deal since he was then finance secretary.

The first minister claimed her Holyrood deputy had not been copied into discussions outlining the basis of the decision.

Mr Ross said: “Honest John’s hands are all over this dodgy deal.

“It’s very clear officials escalated it to John Swinney waiting for his green light.

“John Swinney couldn’t find a single banana skin when they were absolutely littered around him.

“There were more banana skins in this project than there are at Edinburgh Zoo.

“In one section of the redacted document it warns of a risk of legal challenge for this contract.

It states: ‘The impact of a successful legal challenge could be high. In the worst case, the contract could be declared ineffective.’

“In other words, going ahead with this contract was such a bad idea it could open up the government to even more losses than they’ve already experienced. We all knew this was a bad deal – was it also unlawful?”

He added: “Maybe the stony silence from John Swinney, which is unusual in these exchanges, is telling in itself.”

Mr Ross said Mr Swinney should come before parliament and explain why he signed off on the final ferry deal.

He said: “If the first minister won’t tell us all of the details, let’s hear from the deputy first minister. Let’s hear why he chose to ignore expert advice.”

Mr Ross added: “The stench of cover-up and corruption is running through this whole sorry affair.”

Ms Sturgeon said: “It is really not unusual for finance secretaries to be briefed on all sorts of decisions that involve the spending of money. It does not mean that the finance secretary has actually taken that decision.”

Former Ferguson’s boss Jim McColl has clashed with the SNP over the fiasco and claims Ms Sturgeon’s government pushed through the agreement for political gain.

The Scottish Government nationalised the failing shipyard in 2019 and maintains the two boat being built in Port Glasgow – now years late and well over-budget – will be completed.

Mr Mackay has said he would be willing to appear if a Holyrood inquiry is held over the scandal.

ACCUSED: Deputy first minister John Swinney.