Ferries delayed by at least another 6 months

Following the news that the Glen Sannox and Hull 802 will be delayed by at least another 6 months, bringing yet more disruption for island communities, Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Willie Rennie has criticised Deputy First Minister as being, “a master at defending the indefensible."

This afternoon, John Swinney told Parliament that the Glen Sannox will be delayed from May to autumn of this year, while Hull 802 will be delayed from March 2024 to autumn 2024.  

The Deputy First Minister also confirmed that an additional £6 million will be allocated to completing the ferries. Both ferries are already five years behind schedule and costing more than three times their original estimates.  

Willie Rennie said:  

“John Swinney is a master at defending the indefensible, but even today he cannot defend this set of circumstances.  

“He’s got no idea about the final costs, no idea about the final delivery dates and apparently no idea that these bonuses were being paid, even though his government owns the yard.  

“So, what guarantee can he give that this will be the last statement of its kind about these ferries?”  

Speaking after the statement, he added:

"I cringed when I heard SNP backbenchers applauding this debacle. If this is success worthy of praise, I’d hate to see failure.”