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THE Scottish government has denied claims of impropriety in the procurement of two ferries from Ferguson Marine.
Transport Scotland’s Fran Pacitti rejected the allegations as they appeared before MSPs today.
In August last year, the Port Glasgow yard was saved from administration by Scottish ministers before then finance secretary Derek Mackay announced in December that two ships, 801 and 802, could be delivered late and at as much as double the original cost.
At an earlier evidence session, consultant Roy Pedersen, when asked why he thought Ferguson Marine was given the contract for the ship, said: “I do not know the answer but three things spring to mind. One is incompetence, another is vested interest and the final one is corruption.”
Ms Pacitti told the rural economy and connectivity committee: “I appreciate your concern around the ambiguity of who the decision-makers are but, to be clear, CMAL [Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited] is the procuring authority.
“I strongly refute Mr Pedersen’s description of the procurement process.”
