Reforming Scotland’s West Coast Ferries - Amendment 1
Submitted by:
Sue Webber,
Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged:
Tuesday, 18 March 2025
Motion reference: S6M-16845.1
Current status:Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, 19 March 2025
As an amendment to motion S6M-16845 in the name of Claire Baker (Reforming Scotland’s West Coast Ferries), insert at end “; believes that the social and economic impact of ferry disruption is causing existential harm to Scotland’s islands; shares the frustrations of Scotland’s islanders and ferry passengers, who believe that their needs are not being prioritised by the Scottish Government; notes that the increasing maintenance repair bill for the ageing fleet has hit £98 million in the last decade, which compromises the ability to invest in new infrastructure and maintain affordable ticket prices; agrees with the Audit Scotland report that the five-year business plan for Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow was overly reliant and predicated on winning the Small Vessel Replacement Programme contract; is concerned with the repeated awarding of ferry-build contracts to numerous overseas shipyards whilst taxpayers in Scotland are funding a publicly owned yard on the Clyde; notes the Scottish Government’s plan to purchase Ardrossan Harbour and urges Scottish ministers to ensure that the much-needed infrastructure upgrades to the port that were promised are delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner, and calls on the Scottish Government to be clear about its long-term intentions for Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow, and the future of Scottish shipbuilding, in light of an apparent lack of faith in it shown to date.”
Vote
Result52 for, 56 against, 7 abstained, 14 did not voteVote Defeated