The new economy secretary has said the rising cost of two late and over-budget ferries is “deeply disappointing”.
Making a statement to parliament, Mairi McAllan said she has urged shipbuilder Ferguson Marine to take steps to avoid further increases.
It was confirmed last week that the price of the Glen Sannox – set to be handed over to the ferry operator at the end of May – will be between £145.5m and £149.1m once completed.
The second vessel, the Glen Rosa, could cost as much as £150m. It is not expected to enter service until September 2025.
The original price tag for the ferries was meant to be £97m for both. They were due to be delivered in 2018.
McAllan said: “The level of these increases remains deeply disappointing, and I share the frustration that will be felt by everyone across the parliament and indeed in our country.”