Angry North Ayrshire councillors are demanding answers to delays to the construction of two ferries which are well overdue and over budget.
MSPs on the Scottish Parliament’s public audit committee are currently investigating why two new vessels, including the Glen Sannox, which is to serve Arran, are well overdue and over budget.
A motion proposed by Ardrossan Labour councillor Amanda Kerr read: “In light of allegations made in the BBC Scotland Disclosure episode, the Great Ferries Scandal, which relates to the procurement of two including the Glen Sannox, Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone of Police Scotland, requesting that the force carries out a full and thorough investigation into all aspects of the ferries procurement process."
“Council also instructs the Chief Executive to request that all members of the Ardrossan ministerial taskforce co-operate fully with any investigation.”
Councillor Robert Foster, who presented the motion on behalf of Councillor Kerr, who was unable to attend, said: “Councillor Kerr has been inundated with complaints and questions regarding the ferry. I am sure it is also the case for Councillor Ferguson, Councillor Burns and Councillor Gurney.
“With such speculation being publicly presented, it would be reasonable to request a thorough inquiry to be carried out by Police Scotland with full co-operation from the Ardrossan Ferry task-force. I didn’t intend this to be party political.
“The BBC Scotland documentary raised fundamental issues about the tender process. I believe North Ayrshire Council should fully comply with any investigation. "
Depute Leader Shaun Macaulay said: “Given this is a live situation and given the action by the Scottish Government that Audit Scotland are investigating it and the Scottish Parliament are investigating, I don’t see the benefit of a politician interfering on this stage on legal matters surrounding this and we shouldn't pre-judge the outcome of the investigations which are currently live.”
Council Leader Marie Burns said that the motion implied alleged criminality which needed to be investigated and the Ardrossan ministerial task force were being dragged into it.
Tory councillor Timothy Billings said he shared concerns about the ferry. Arran, he said, could be irreparably harmed with fewer visiting because of ferry concerns and shortages of supplies. He said pressure had to be applied to force an independent inquiry.
The motion was carried by 19 votes to 11.
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