Scotland’s First Minister apologises for heavily delayed ferries

Both Glen Sannox and its sister Glen Rosa have been delayed by more than six years.

Mr Swinney told the BBC that he regrets "very much" problems with the construction of the ferries. He told the media outlet, “We are investing in the ferry fleet to make sure island communities are well supported, and they can be assured of the commitment of the Scottish government to make sure that is the case.”

Scottish Conservative shadow transport secretary Sue Webber was quoted as saying, “Hundreds of millions of taxpayer’s money has been squandered and seven years on, the first of these ferries is finally about to enter service. Warm words simply won’t cut it from John Swinney. SNP ministerial heads must finally roll for their catastrophic failures in delivering these lifeline ferries for islanders."

On the day the ferry was handed over, Ferguson Marine interim chief executive John Petticrew acknowledged issues, “There is no doubt it’s been a long haul getting to this point, and we sympathise with ferry users who have waited so long to see this day. Looking to the future, our ability to adapt, learn from and successfully overcome considerable challenges demonstrates the resilience and skills of our workforce, and will provide huge value as we tender for future contracts.”

In a letter dated December 2024, on the Ferguson Marine website, Mr Pettigrew gave an update to Scottish Parliament convenor, Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee, Edward Mountain, “Glen Sannox is currently going through shakedown with CalMac. FMPG personnel are on hand to attend to rectify any issues that are highlighted during this demonstration period. Warranty items are also being identified and rectified concurrently. Of the three class exceptions identified at handover, two have now been completed. The remaining one, the recertification of the anchor system, is still outstanding.”

He wrote the parts required are scheduled to arrive mid-February 2025.

In an update on Glen Rosa, he said switchboards have been installed with 40% of associated cables also installed; 40% of the pipework is now installed; LNG subcontractors engaged, slightly later than planned, however the first pipes are now on site; the mezzanine deck is outfitted and scheduled to commence installation on the ship in January 2025 .

He added, “The 801 Lessons Learned session is scheduled for January 2025. Detailed plans are being developed and operated to deliver the critical areas. Key personnel engaged on Glen Sannox have now returned to work on Glen Rosa, enhancing the delivery team and allowing the recent slower progress to be accelerate.”