Ferry delays: Derek Mackay invited to parliament after recess

Derek Mackay has been invited to give evidence on the delayed and over-budget ferries by Holyrood’s Public Audit Committee.

The former transport minister was responsible for signing off the decision to award the contract to Ferguson Marine shipyard.

In a written submission to the committee, Mackay said he “had confidence” in the recommendations to go ahead with the award, “but appreciated that risks had been identified and understood to be resolved.”

He said there was a “high level of confidence on the yard” and an expectation of monitoring and oversight as the shipbuilding went ahead.

Mackay is expected to appear before MSPs in September, after the summer recess.

The former chief executive of Transport Scotland, David Middleton, has also been involved.

Convener Richard Leonard said: “This will allow us to follow up on issues in their written evidence to further inform our scrutiny of the Auditor General’s report, New vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides.”

That report found “multiple failings” in the delivery of the two ferries who had led to the delays and cost overruns.

The vessels were meant to be delivered in 2017 but are now not expected until next year.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be at least £240 million, over £140 million more than originally anticipated.