FERRY STORY: Two Scottish ferries to be built in Turkey

By Bill Heaney

Responding to the announcement this week that a Turkish shipyard is the preferred bidder for two new ferries being procured by CMAL, Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP, right,  said:  “It looks like the contract for yet another two ferries is off to Turkey which is a stark reminder of the mismanagement of the ferry construction programme under the SNP.

“Over budget and over time – that is the hallmark of the SNP and it is the islanders, the taxpayers and the shipyard workers that feel the pain. No wonder Scottish Government-owned Ferguson didn’t even bid for these two ferries.

“We need a recovery programme for Ferguson so that it is capable of winning future contracts.”

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) intends to award the contract to the Cemre Marin Endustri A.S shipyard in Turkey, following a 10 day standstill period. The ferries will be for Uig, Lochmaddy and Tarbert (Harris).

Picture: Calmac ferries coming and going from Oban in the West Highlands.

Picture by Bill Heaney