EVERY reasonable step was taken by the Scottish Government to deliver two ferries which have been hit by delays and overspends, an inquiry has heard.
Ferguson Marine was contracted to deliver two vessels for CalMac for £97 million, with an initial completion date set for 2018.
However, after the Port Glasgow yard collapsed into administration in August last year, it became clear that the already late ferries would take longer and cost more before completion.
Former economy secretary Derek Mackay told MSPs in December that the project would cost an extra £110.3m and take several years more.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mackay’s predecessor, Fiona Hyslop, said on Tuesday that the ferries will not be completed until at least April and December 2022 respectively.
Appearing at the final evidence session of the inquiry called by Mackay, islands minister Paul Wheelhouse said the Scottish Government did what it could to ensure the project was finished on time as the relationship between Ferguson Marine and ferry procurement body Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) broke down.
The inquiry was held by the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here