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Scottish Ferry Program Faces Further Delays and Soaring Costs

MV Glen Rosa's delivery postponed beyond 2025, pushing total project costs to £460 million as island communities endure ongoing service disruptions.

The Glen Sannox ferry finally started operating in January, seven years late
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Overview

  • Ferguson Marine confirmed that the MV Glen Rosa will not be completed in 2025, with construction costs rising by an additional £35 million.
  • The total cost for the Glen Rosa and its sister ship, Glen Sannox, has escalated from an initial £97 million to £460 million over a decade of delays.
  • Political leaders, including Russell Findlay and Anas Sarwar, have accused SNP ministers of mismanagement, with claims of £1 billion in wasted public funds on ferry-related projects.
  • Island communities reliant on CalMac ferries continue to face frequent disruptions, affecting tourism, businesses, and daily life, despite government promises to resolve issues.
  • First Minister John Swinney called the delays and cost overruns 'unacceptable' but admitted uncertainty about the final taxpayer burden.