MSPs to visit troubled shipyard
MSPs investigating the problems with the construction of two new ferries which are running years late and twice over budget are to visit the shipyard where they are being constructed.
Members of Holyrood's Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee are carrying out an inquiry into the work on the new CalMac vessels, the first of which, Glen Sannox, was already supposed to be in service on the route to the Isle of Arran.
As part of that MSPs will visit the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow to see for themselves what progress is being made.
Committee convener Edward Mountain said members would also be taking to workers and management there.
The inquiry was announced after yard was formally taken into public ownership by the Scottish Government last year.
It was put into administration in August after repeated delays and rising costs for an order of two ferries under a £97 million fixed-price contract.
But a report last month revealed that the cost of completing the two ferries has more than doubled - with the first vessel now not due to be ready till the final three months of 2021, while the second is scheduled for completion by July to October the following year.
Mr Mountain said MSPs would consider the "impact of the repeated delays to the completion of these two vessels on the specifics routes and islands communities who are awaiting their delivery''.
He added: "We will also consider the related matter of the Scottish Government taking public ownership of Ferguson Marine in October 2019.
"These matters have important implications for the future procurement of maritime vessels to serve the Clyde and Hebrides ferries network.''
He told Holyrood that MSPs from the committee "plan to visit the Ferguson Marine shipyard to see first-hand the current state of progress on the hybrid vessels contract and to talk to members of the workforce and management on site''.
He continued: "We look forward to reporting back to the parliament with our findings and recommendations once the committee has completed its inquiry later this year.''
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.