Scotland’s ferries agency CMAL has been described as an “Edinburgh lap dog” after the SNP government revealed none of its board members currently live in island communities.
Tim Eagle MSP described the revelation as “appalling” and accused the SNP government of being out of touch with the needs of islanders.
In its response to the Highland and Islands MSP, the Scottish Government has now said it is looking to create a new public appointments campaign for CMAL non-executive board members to address the issue.
Murdo Maclennan, who was a director and was the last islander to serve on the board, was ousted last year after a row broke out on the launch of CalMac ships being built in Turkey.
He complained that two Edinburgh-based civil servants were invited to launch MV Lochmor and MV Claymore instead of islanders whose communities would be served by the ships.
CMAL continues to be marred with controversy, with the organisation recently awarding a £200 million contract for two freight vessels to a Chinese shipyard after no bids were put forward by UK shipyards.
The GMB union criticised the absence of any “social value” scoring of competing bids for the contract, which it says would help UK shipbuilders compete against firms in “low-wage economies”.
Now, in a fresh revelation, the SNP government has confirmed no members of the CMAL Board live in island communities.
Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle said: “I’m appalled that none of CMAL’s board members live in any of Scotland’s islands communities.
“This is yet another dereliction of duty from the SNP government towards islanders, who are not being listened to.
“They have repeatedly called for island voices to be on these boards in the wake of constant SNP ferry scandals.
“Yet it’s clear CMAL is just an Edinburgh lap dog that is out of touch with the needs of islanders.
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“The SNP government must recruit new board members from the islands immediately, to help create a proper system that understands the true requirements of passengers, delivers vessels on time and ensures the best value for the taxpayer.”
In a response to Tim Eagle MSPs written question, the Scottish Government said: “Scottish ministers have been clear in their desire to strengthen islander representation on the Boards of ferry bodies.
“Following the election, officials will engage with ministers regarding a new public appointments campaign for CMAL Non-Executive Board members.”
