Ferry build bosses have ‘high confidence’ Glen Rosa will not face further delay

Ferguson Marine bosses have “high confidence” the Glen Rosa ferry will not need to be delayed again or require more money, but have refused to provide a guarantee.

Chief executive Graeme Thomson appeared before the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee at Holyrood on Tuesday along with other senior managers at the Port Glasgow yard.

The delayed and over-budget Glen Rosa is due to be handed over in the fourth quarter of this year, making it unlikely to be in service before 2027.

Mr Thomson told the committee: “I have a high confidence in the number and schedule for Q4 2026, but I don’t think any CEO dealing with a complex vessel like this would be able to give a guarantee just now.

“We will work through and manage our risk to look to secure a Q4 delivery and within the budget.

“But high confidence is where we are just now and that’s what we’re working to.”

Mr Thomson was challenged by committee convener Edward Mountain, who has led the scrutiny of the building of the Glen Rosa and its sister ship the Glen Sannox – which entered service last year.

“I have to say, that doesn’t fill me with confidence, it doesn’t fill me with any confidence at all,” the MSP – who will step down from Holyrood at the next election – said.

“I’ve heard, again, the same thing given and we’ve ended up with increased costs.

“I have to say that in some ways I’ll be glad when I leave this Parliament and I don’t have to continue to listen to this, because I’m not convinced by any of the arguments you’ve given.”