Nicola Sturgeon called to parliament to answer questions on delayed and overbudget ferries

Nicola Sturgeon will be asked by MSPs to appear before a parliamentary committee to answer questions of the two delayed and overbudget ferries.

The Public Audit Committee agreed to issue the invite after taking evidence on Thursday from former transport secretary Derek Mackay and the former chief executive of Transport Scotland.

Richard Leonard, the committee’s convener, said there were “major differences” in accounts heard by MSPs which need to be clarified.

The contract to build two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides route was awarded in 2015, with an expected delivery date of 2017.

But following years of problems at the Ferguson Marine shipyard and issues with the design of the ferries, the vessels still have not yet been delivered.

The latest estimated delivery date for is the end of next year, six years late.

It is also expected to cost more than double the initial price tag.

Earlier, Mackay denied claims he was the "fall guy" in the row and he insisted he “acted with the best of intentions” through.

Leonard said: “Today brought clarity to some central issues the committee has taken evidence on. However there remain major differences in the versions of events stretching back to February 2015.

“We have today decided to invite the First Minister to give evidence at a future meeting to help us get to the bottom of what has gone badly wrong with the delivery of ferries 801 and 802 for the Clyde and Hebrides.

“We will also consider any further next steps necessary to be able to report to parliament on our findings.”