Long-delayed Glen Rosa handover pushed back again

The handover of the already long-delayed Glen Rosa ferry has been pushed back again, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

The ship is being built by the Government-owned Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow and was due to be handed over before the end of this year.

But in a letter to the Transport Committee at Holyrood, Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said the handover date would be pushed to February to allow a new propeller to be fitted in January.

The work would mean the Glen Rosa would not have to be pulled from its run between the mainland and the Isle of Arran after it had entered service, according to the minister.

“Ferguson Marine has assured me that Glen Rosa can be delivered this year, however the handover will now be scheduled to take place in February 2027,” the Transport Secretary said.

“This enables new propellers to be fitted and the ship’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel systems to be filled and commissioned only once.

“Doing this work now avoids the need to recall the vessel later.

“The availability of the new propeller blades ahead of schedule, coinciding with the completion of the MV Glen Rosa, means that the work can be done more effectively and minimise disruption to islanders.

“Taking this opportunity delivers clear operational benefits providing the greatest confidence in terms of network resilience and the successful introduction of MV Glen Rosa into service.

“This decision gives the best opportunity of reliable, resilient ferry services for island communities.

“It also gives CalMac and (ferry procurement body) Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) greater flexibility in managing crew and existing vessels.”

The ferry, along with its sister ship the Glen Sannox, has been at the centre of a political firestorm since the yard was rescued from administration in 2019.

A slew of issues delayed both vessels, with the Glen Sannox entering service early last year and the Glen Rosa is still to take passengers.

Thursday’s announcement comes following reports in The Scotsman that the Glen Sannox is yet to have its builder sea trials, a vital test before it can be handed over to the Government’s ferry procurement body CMAL.

Transport Committee convener Willie Rennie said new delays were “completely unacceptable”.

“When the Cabinet Secretary next appears before the committee on November 18, he will need to be fleet of foot in providing concrete answers as to why, under his tutelage, islanders must suffer the consequences of yet further delays and over the winter period too,” he said.

“Islanders deserved secure, reliable, resilient ferry services eight and a half years ago. Further delays at this stage are simply not acceptable.”