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The Herald Scotland
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Row over £17.6m of public cash spent on Glen Prosen sporting estate
It comes amidst continuing concerns over whether [[Scottish Government]] is investing enough millions into its own shipyard company Ferguson Marine to keep it functioning after it delivers the last of two much delayed and wildly overbudget ferries Glen Rosa. There has been criticism that after 32 months there has been no management plan for the site. Under new Land Reform legislation a failure to produce such a plan would result in a substantial fine. READ MORE: 'Justice in the dock': UN probes Scots judge-led body's 'breach' of international law Enough is enough: 50 Scots councils seek ministers summit on green energy 'wild west' 'Appalling': Hundreds of Scots evicted from council homes despite ScotGov ban The Scottish Government hoped that the legislation would provide communities with more say on decisions relating to the ownership of land. It came as concerns had been growing over the rise of the phenomenon known as Green Lairds. This new generation of landowners are accused of inflating the market and pricing out community groups in the rush to offset damaging emissions. The bill as amended which is still to be passed details a maximum £40,000 fine for failure to comply with community engagement obligations for large land holdings, which includes land management plans. Among other things, the plan is meant to set out what the long term vision is for the land and how it contributes to achieving the net-zero emissions target, including increasing or sustaining biodiversity. FLS bought the 8,700 acres of land with ten estate buildings using the Scottish Government's fund for woodland creation. When the estate, north of Kirriemuir which sits in one of the five highland glens of Angus, was bought it ceased to be run as a sporting estate having previously offered grouse-shooting, deer stalking and salmon fishing. Owner Robin Batchelor approached several potential buyers after deciding to offer it for sale. And the Scottish Government admitted that 'off-market and confidentiality arrangements imposed by the seller' meant FLS could not consult with the local community before the deal was done. Ministers said after being quizzed in September, last year - two years after the purchase - that there was an intention to set out a management plan and that the acquisition provided opportunities for landscape restoration. It was stated that there were plans to create new woodland and montane scrub, restore peatlands and rivers, improving biodiversity and ensuring resilience to climate change. They said last year that had been 20 months of preparatory work including carrying out ecological surveys to better understand the landscape and that a land management plan would eventually be produced. Edward Mountain (Image: George Munro) Among the critics is Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain who is also convener of the parliamentary net zero, energy and transport committee who says that the purchase has been "veiled in a the cloak of 'commercial confidentiality' with every attempt to winkle out the details of the purchase rebuffed". He says all that they have been told is that the justification for the purchase "was because the land was of strategic importance". He has called on ministers to present the justification that was made for the purchase of the estate so that it could be understood what 'strategic importance' was. He said: 'All we know is that the purchase is 'strategically' important, and that the monies came from the Scottish Government's fund for woodland creation. "It is unacceptable that, 32 months later, there has been no justification of the purchase. "Under the proposed new Land Reform legislation – as introduced by the [[Scottish Government]] – the fact that the estate has not yet produced a management plan would be considered unacceptable, and Forestry and Land Scotland would be subject to a substantial fine. I believe this to be fundamentally hypocritical. 'I have asked the Scottish Government to provide me with details regarding the purchase and future of Glen Prosen. I very much look forward to receiving this information, and hope that it might clarify the true intention behind the purchase of 3,500 hectares of land.' The Scottish Government said that consultation on a land management plan for all the iconic Angus glens, including Glen Prosen closed in April with the final version due to be submitted for approval in the Autumn. Ministers say it will set out plans for "extensive new native woodland creation, peatland and river restoration to help recover wildlife, lock up carbon and create landscapes that people can enjoy and benefit from". Three years ago an analysis by the Scottish Land Commission, an official body set up to reform land ownership found that the majority of Highland estates that changed hands in one year were sold in secret, and nearly half went to absentee owners rushing to buy rural land for environmental reasons. It found almost two-thirds of the deals were done in secret and half of the estates were sold to corporate bodies, investment funds or charitable trusts. Nick KempeNick Kempe, of campaign group Parkwatch Scotland has said that the purchase was initially unheralded with no news release on their plans to let people know what was going on. "It isn't a particularly special place. There are more important areas of land to buy," he said. "The Scottish Government hasn't given a justification for this. "The most important thing they could have done is reduce deer numbers and they aren't doing that. "There does not seem to be a coherent strategy. From a land perspective, it doesn't make sense. "It has been one total farce. They have no idea after all this time or sensible plans over what to do with it. "Without that, why would you buy it?" Land reform secretary Mairi Gougeon said FLS was working closely with the Farming Opportunities for New Entrants Group to look at opening more land up to new farmers – including opportunities in the Angus Glens – adding to the 4,000 hectares already provided on land it manages. Mairi Gougeon (Image: Alan Peebles) She said: "FLS acquired Glen Prosen to demonstrate how land in public ownership can help us tackle the key challenges of climate change and nature loss, whilst critically encouraging access to land and creating new jobs and opportunities. New native woodland will be created, peatland will be restored, helping to recover wildlife, reduce flood risk and create landscapes that people can enjoy and benefit from.' FLS says that its broad aims on purchasing the estate were "in line with the Scottish Government's commitment to nature recovery, climate resilience and people's health and wellbeing". They say that it forms the centre of approximately 26,000 acres of public land, giving them the opportunity "to work with other public bodies and neighbouring landowners to achieve landscape-scale habitat restoration in the Cairngorms National Park".
The Herald Scotland
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Why are there concerns for Scotland over Labour's Invest 2035
The warning arrives as uncertainty grows around the future of Ferguson Marine, the last remaining commercial shipyard on the River Clyde. The nationalised firm has struggled with delays and cost overruns surrounding the MV Glen Rosa—a ferry years behind schedule and massively over budget. Until recently, it had just that single contract left, placing its long-term survival in jeopardy. What is Invest 2035? The strategy was formally launched on 23 June 2025, following a public consultation that began in October 2024 with the release of a Green Paper. It was introduced to reverse years of low productivity and weak investment across the UK, provide long-term stability and end the 'policy merry-go-round' that businesses have faced and create a credible 10-year plan to boost growth, tackle regional inequality, and support high-potential sectors. READ MORE by Martin Williams UK maritime trade group urges 'buy British' to prevent erosion of Scots industry Row over ScotGov failure to track jobs supported by public millions 'Shut it down' demands as Scotland's last nuclear plant breaches a safety limit Union seeks more public money support for bus firm looking to move to England It is also seen as a response to the global challenges like the net zero transition, AI and automation, and changing trade dynamics. What are its main targets? It aims to drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across the UK, increase business investment and attract international capital. It also hopes to support high-quality, well-paid jobs in key sectors. It has a focus is on eight growth-driving sectors: advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries, creative industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences and professional and business services. There is a hope of doubling business investment in advanced manufacturing and clean energy by 2035. There is a plan to train one million young people in tech skills by 2030 and boost AI research twentyfold while expanding clean energy investment and growing business investment in creative industries to £31bn It also plans to support regional growth through city-region clusters and strategic hubs and establish a statutory Industrial Strategy Council for oversight and long-term stability as well as accelerating international investment. What are the further concerns of the SMI? The SMI has warned UK ministers that shipbuilding and marine engineering on the Clyde and at Rosyth remain 'vulnerable to international competition,' dominated by state-backed foreign shipyards with easier access to funding and demand. They say this threat will persist unless supported by 'strategic sovereign procurement' — a policy that prioritises buying from domestic firms to boost local jobs and industry. (Image: Andy Buchanan/PA) It said that North Sea oil and gas sector is in 'structural decline' due to decarbonisation, ageing fields, and falling fossil fuel investment, with major impacts expected in Aberdeen and nearby areas. And they say a managed shift to renewables is vital to protect jobs and industrial capacity. And it elt that Aberdeen must win UK wind farm contracts to preserve sovereign energy capability. And the key risk, they warn, is not the transition itself, but failing to equip Scottish communities with the skills, investment, and support needed to adapt. What does the UK Government say about the plan? When the business secretary Jonathan Reynolds introduced the new industrial strategy Green Paper, he described it as 'the UK's modern industrial strategy' aimed at channelling long‑term investment into 'growth-driving sectors' to 'spur growth, spread wealth and drive up employment across all four nations of the UK' He emphasised the importance of the workforce, stating the approach will 'invest in British people to power industrial strategy,' with a £275 million package supporting skills training in areas like engineering, programming and manufacturing to plug growing skills shortages. Keir Starmer (Image: Jonathan Brady) Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the strategy represented a 'targeted, long‑term plan,' marking a break from short‑term policymaking and "sticking plasters of the past". He said: "In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people's pockets as part of the Plan for Change "This is how we power Britain's future - by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear - Britain is back and open for business."
The Herald Scotland
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Why has a 'rudderless' CalMac ferry been out of action for 16 months
It comes as the normal Arran ferry . 32-year-old MV Caledonian Isles which was due out of its annual overhaul on February 17, last year remains out of service. The vessel was spotted going into dry dock 'rudderless' while returning to dry dock in Greenock this week with CalMac saying repairs were part of planned work to the vessel and that they were being reattached this week. What is the MV Caledonian Isles? Commissioned in 1993, the MV Caledonian Isles is a roll-on/roll-off passenger and vehicle ferry. It has been a cornerstone of the Arran ferry service, accommodating both residents and tourists traveling between Ardrossan and Arran. With a capacity for approximately 1,000 passengers and 110 cars, it is one of the largest and oldest vessels in the CalMac fleet. Why has it been out of action? The ferry was withdrawn from service in January 2024 for its scheduled annual overhaul but has remained out of circulation. During this maintenance period, engineers discovered significant issues, including deformed steel frames and damage to the port gearbox. These findings led to extensive repairs, including steelwork replacements and gearbox overhauls. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ READ MORE: £22m public cost expected as CalMac emergency ferry 'kept for another five months' ScotGov raises 'doubt' on CalMac getting new ferry contract from October ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Further complications arose when additional damage was identified during testing, leading to repeated delays in the vessel's return to service. MV Caledonian Isles (Image: Newsquest) Some users speculated about whether it will be available for its planned return next week after it was spotted being taken back to dry dock near Greenock after some said it appeared "rudderless". CalMac confirmed repairs to MV Caledonian Isles rudder were part of the planned work to the vessel and are being reattached this week. CalMac says it is now due back on June 12. How has this affected ferry services? The prolonged absence of the MV Caledonian Isles has significantly impacted ferry services to Arran. CalMac has deployed alternative vessels, such as the MV Alfred and the MV Hebridean Isles, to maintain service on the route. However, these vessels have smaller capacities and have faced their own mechanical issues, leading to reduced service reliability and capacity constraints. The disruptions have affected the local economy, tourism, and the daily lives of island residents. MV Hebridean Isles has now retired, but the much-delayed and over-budget MV Glen Sannox has been online since January - seven years after it was scheduled to take passengers. The loss has had a knock on effect across CalMac's Clyde and Hebrides lifeline island ferry network with disruption felt on islands as vessels are repositioned to try and provide the best service possible. What are the financial implications? The repairs to the MV Caledonian Isles have been costly, contributing to a broader financial strain on Scotland's ferry infrastructure. The cost of repairing MV Caledonian Isles was last estimated at £7m. But the cost of chartering MV Alfred as an emergency ferry because of breakdowns to CalMac ageing ferry fleet is expected to run £22m after it was agreed it should remain for a further five months. MV Alfred (Image: NQ) It was in March 2023, that the Scottish Government announced that it had chartered Alfred for nine months to supplement the fleet. Over the past decade, nearly £100 million has been spent on repairs for Scotland's major ferries, with the MV Caledonian Isles accounting for a significant portion of this expenditure. These costs have sparked criticism regarding the management and maintenance of the ferry fleet, highlighting the need for investment in new vessels and infrastructure. What does CalMac say? Louis de Wolff, interim fleet management director for CalMac, said: 'We are now in the final stages of the repair plan for MV Caledonian Isles, and we're looking forward to seeing her back in service soon. She'll significantly increase capacity and frequency of service for Arran, operating from Ardrossan. 'We are looking forward to seeing the vessel back on the water for sea trials from this Sunday, which, given the length of time she has been off service, will be thorough and will include berthing trials at Ardrossan and Brodick. 'The extension to MV Alfred's charter will give the network much-needed resilience until the end of the summer timetable. Plans for her deployment are being finalised and will be announced soon.'
The Herald Scotland
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
£22m public cost expected as MV Alfred kept for another five months
It is expected that that will take the costs of chartering the catamaran to £22m. That's £8m more than it cost to buy. There is already an existing £17m bill for MV Alfred, which covers the period from May 2023, which on its own is half the price of a similar vessel that could have been bought outright four years ago but was rejected. It comes as normal Arran ferry MV Caledonian Isles which was due out of its annual overhaul on February 17, last year remains out of service. Some users have speculated about whether it will be available for its planned return on Monday after it was spotted being taken back to dry dock near Greenock after some said it appeared "rudderless". Pentland Ferries aid the charter of MV Alfred, which is operating alongside CalMac's newest ferry the long-awaited and over-budget MV Glen Sannox until the end of October. And some users have speculated that this is a sign that MV Caledonian Isles will not be returning as quickly as expected after a series of postponed returns. READ MORE: ScotGov raises 'doubt' on CalMac getting new ferry contract from October Why does CalMac still run Scotland's ferries amidst continuing ire? 'People going bananas': New ferry fiasco hits vital island supplies One user ferry group official said: "Nobody really understands what is going on because there has been little by way of communication. But clearly MV Alfred remains useful as there has been a lack of capacity in the system but mainly for Arran. "But it does make you wonder what is happening with Cale Isles." "We have seen some cuts to services in recent months around the islands, although not where the MV Alfred has been operating in. Nevertheless it has proved fairly reliable for Arran. "It does make you wonder, however why it a ferry like that wasn't just bought in the first place as it would be cheaper." Pentland Ferries staff, who are operating services on behalf of Scottish Government-owned ferry operator CalMac, bought MV Alfred for £14m in 2019 to operate between Caithness and Orkney. (Image: Newsquest) The 32-year-old MV Caledonian Isles, which serves on the Arran route, one of the busiest on the Scottish coast, and is due to be replaced, has been out of action since going for an overhaul at the start of January, last year with repairs costing over £7m. MV Alfred, which has been operating on the lifeline Arran service, one the busiest in the CalMac network, was built in Vietnam and can accommodate 430 passengers and 98 cars, or 54 cars and 12 articulated vehicles/coaches. At the time it was described as the "most environmentally-friendly ferry in Scotland". With the deal, all crew were to be provided by Pentland Ferries who are responsible for delivery of service and the operational, technical and safety management of the vessel, including maintenance, repair, overhaul and provision of crew throughout the charter period. The costs are due to cover berthing dues, fuel, the commercial charter rate and other undisclosed costs. Over four years ago a deal to buy a vessel similar in design to MV Alfred for £9m collapsed after the Scottish Government-owned procuring and ferry owning company Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) demanded a foreign firm pay up to £100,000 to pay for modifications that would allow it to gain UK maritime approval for it. Negotiations had been taking place to secure the Indonesia-built vessel for months but the owners of the catamaran said they believed CMAL were never serious in completing the sale. The vessel was expected to take around two thirds of the number of cars that MV Glen Sannox would be able to accommodate and a condition of the sale was that it would have had to be approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which provides official certification for all ships. The over-200 foot metre roll-on roll off ferry could take 300 passengers and around 80 cars and was originally designed for a non-UK company, and was regulated for the Australian market. The Mull and Iona Ferry Committee that was pushing for the purchase said the Indonesia-built vessel would have been capable of working to all ports in the network with a full drive-through operation. But CMAL said at the time: "We simply cannot spend millions of pounds of taxpayers' money on a new-build vessel that may not be able to secure a passenger certificate and therefore never be able to operate on Scottish routes.' MV Alfred was originally meant to be on a nine month charter, and was to be in service until the first of two long-delayed ferries, Glen Sannox was in service. After delay upon delay, Glen Sannox entered service in January - but MV Alfred is still required. Scotland's ageing ferries have been hit by a staggering 2,000% rise in cancellations due to breakdowns over 13 years. Crisis-hit CalMac was forced to axe 4,485 lifeline sailings due to technical faults in 2023 compared with just 217 in 2010 as it struggled to keep its fleet afloat. Meanwhile, the company running the last commercial shipyard on the Clyde has been dogged with issues with the delivery of major lifeline ferries Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa which were due online in the first half of 2018 when Ferguson Marine was under the control of tycoon Jim McColl. With both to serve Arran, they have been over seven years late, while Glen Rosa might won't see passengers till the middle of 2026 at the earliest. The last estimates suggest the costs of delivery more have increased fivefoled from the original £97m cost. Ferguson Marine, which employs over 400 staff, including over 100 sub-contractors was taken over by the Scottish Government at the end of 2019 following its financial collapse as a row erupted over long delays and mounting costs over the delivery of the vessels.
The Herald Scotland
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Why does Scotland hold public inquiries amidst escalating costs
It has come as it emerged the Scottish Government has admitted there is no legal requirement to monitor whether lessons learnt recommendations from inquiries are actually acted on. The current cost of all live inquiries has soared thirteen-fold over ten years to stand at nearly £180m and it is estimated the overall costs has reached nearly £250m since 2007. What are public inquiries? Public inquiries in Scotland are formal investigations established to examine events or issues of significant public concern. They are often convened in response to events that have caused significant public concern, such as disasters, systemic failures, or allegations of misconduct. The inquiries are typically independent and aim to establish facts, determine accountability, and recommend changes to prevent recurrence. Why are they held? They aim to uncover the truth, ensure accountability, and recommend improvements to prevent future occurrences. They aim to establish what happened during a particular event or series of events and to determine who was responsible for the events in question. They seek to learn lessons from an event, identify what went wrong and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. They aim to restore public confidence, and show that issues are being taken seriously and addressed appropriately. Do they have any legal standing? They are primarily governed by the Inquiries Act 2005 which sets out procedures for their establishment and conduct including the appointment of a chairman, the powers to compel evidence, and the publication of findings. Additionally, the Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007 provides specific procedural rules for inquiries held in Scotland. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- READ MORE by Martin Williams ScotGov says it has 'no legal obligation' to ensure 20 years of inquiry lessons are learnt Ministers warned over public inquiries secrecy as taxpayer cost soars by £60m in a year Swinney urged to act over 'stalled' lifeline funding of ferry fiasco firm Revealed: £400k public cost of ScotGov Euro 2028 ticket tout ban that 'won't work' 'People going bananas': New ferry fiasco hits vital island supplies 'Stretched to breaking': Nation loses 800 officers since formation of Police Scotland --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They can be either statutory or non-statutory, with statutory inquiries having legal powers to compel evidence and witness testimony under the Inquiries Act. What are the most notable public inquiries in Scotland? The Scottish Child Abuse inquiry which was established in 2015 to investigate the abuse of children in care faced criticism for delays and costs which have exceeded £90m. The Scottish Child Abuse InquiryThe second most expensive live public probe is the Scottish Covid-19 inquiry which started in August, 2022 to examine Scotland's response to and the impact of the pandemic and to learn lessons for the future. Its costs in December last year were at £34m. The Penrose inquiry which ran between 2008 and 2015 examined the transmission of hepatitis C and HIV through NHS blood products. The inquiry faced criticism for its limited scope and lack of accountability. The Edinburgh Tram Inquiry which was started in 2014 to investigate delays and cost overruns in the capital trams project also faced scrutiny for its prolonged duration and expenses. And the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry was established in 2019 to examine issues related to the construction of two major hospitals, focusing on patient safety and building standards. How are public inquiries conducted? They appoint a chairman and set terms of reference where the scope of the probe is defined. The inquiry collects written and oral evidence from witnesses, experts, and relevant parties. Public hearings may be held to examine evidence and question witnesses, often open to the public and media. A final report is usually published, detailing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Throughout the process, inquiries aim to be transparent and impartial, ensuring public trust in their findings. What are the challenges that public inquiries face? Their costs can be expensive, with some, like the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, costing over £90 million. And they can take several years to complete, leading to criticism over delays in justice and implementation of recommendations. There has also been concern that recommendations from inquiries are not always acted upon promptly or effectively, limiting their impact. How effective are public inquiries? It varies. While they can reveal critical information and lead to significant reforms, their success is reliant on the implementation of recommendations, the willingness of authorities to enact change and the ability to get to all crucial evidence. There is concern about about the standing of non-statutory inquiries through the ability to access evidence and to compel key witnesses to co-operate. Unlike statutory inquiries, participation with non-statutory inquiries such as the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry is voluntary which can hinder the inquiry's ability to gather comprehensive evidence. Edinburgh Tram InquiryInquiries that are seen as thorough and impartial tend to restore confidence, while those seen as delayed or inconclusive may exacerbate public dissatisfaction. How does the Scottish Government view public inquiries? They see public inquiries as essential instruments for investigating events of significant public concern, establishing facts, and ensuring accountability. They are designed to operate independently, providing transparent and thorough examinations of issues to learn lessons and implement necessary changes. In establishing the Scottish Covid inquiry, the government emphasised its dedication to openness and accountability. The inquiry was tasked with scrutinizing the strategic handling of the pandemic, aiming to provide an independent assessment of decisions and actions taken. And the government said that reflected its belief in the effectiveness of public inquiries to address complex issues and restore public confidence. It has previously told the Herald: "Public inquiries provide important opportunities to establish facts and to learn lessons for the future in the most transparent means possible. "Statutory public inquiries are established in accordance with the Inquiries Act 2005 and operate independently of government."
