The Ferry Questions That Keep Damaging The SNP

7th June 2025

The two ferries built by Ferguson Marine—MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa—have faced significant delays and cost overruns.

MV Glen Sannox finally entered service in January 2025 after years of setbacks.

MV Glen Rosa, however, has been delayed again and is now expected to be delivered between April and June 2026.

The cost of these ferries has skyrocketed, with the total price now four times the original budget. The Scottish government has expressed frustration over the delays and rising costs, and Ferguson Marine has apologized to island communities affected by the setbacks.

The delays and cost overruns of Ferguson Marine's ferries—MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa—have had a significant impact on Scotland's ferry network and taxpayers.

Key Issues
Severe Delays: Originally scheduled for completion in 2018, both ferries have been delayed by six years. MV Glen Sannox finally entered service in January 2025, while MV Glen Rosa has been pushed back to mid-2026.

Soaring Costs: The total cost of the two ferries has ballooned to £400 million, nearly four times the original budget of £97 million. The latest cost increase for MV Glen Rosa alone is £35 million.

Leadership Changes: Ferguson Marine has struggled with management instability. The previous CEO, David Tydeman, was sacked in 2024 due to ongoing delays and financial mismanagement. The new CEO, Graeme Thomson, has promised to improve efficiency.

Impact on Island Communities
Disruptions to Ferry Services: The delays have left island communities relying on older, unreliable vessels, leading to frequent cancellations and disruptions.

Economic Consequences: Businesses on islands such as Arran and Mull have suffered due to inconsistent ferry services, affecting tourism and trade.

Infrastructure Issues: The new ferries are too large for Ardrossan Harbour's jetty, requiring an £80 million upgrade. In the meantime, services are being diverted to Troon.

Political and Financial Fallout
Scottish Government Scrutiny: The government has faced criticism for repeatedly funding Ferguson Marine despite ongoing failures. Some officials have questioned whether continued investment is justified.

Alternative Solutions: In response to the crisis, Scotland has awarded ferry contracts to shipyards in Turkey and Poland, which are delivering vessels seven years faster than Ferguson Marine.

The delays and cost overruns of Ferguson Marine's ferries—MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa—have been a major political issue in Scotland, and they may have influenced voting in the Hamilton by-election.

While there is no direct evidence linking the ferry crisis to the election result, the issue has been widely debated in Scottish politics. The Scottish Government has faced criticism over its handling of Ferguson Marine, with opposition parties using the delays and rising costs as an example of mismanagement.

At First Minister's Questions, John Swinney was grilled over the latest delay to MV Glen Rosa, with opposition leaders arguing that the SNP’s handling of the ferry contracts has damaged public trust. Some voters in coastal and island communities—who rely on ferry services—may have been influenced by these concerns when casting their ballots.

The Scottish Ferry Fiasco - Wikipedia