TRANSPORT Scotland was accused today of seeking to charter a potentially dangerous vessel from anti-trade union operator Pentland Ferries for service on CalMac routes in western Scotland.

Transport union RMT requested a reinspection of the Pentland Ferries vessel following a tip-off that it had been altered by owners, jeopardising safety.

General secretary Mick Lynch said that the union had been proved “absolutely right” in requesting a reinspection and that the alteration had “compromised safety provisions at the intersection between the galley kitchen and passenger accommodation on the vessel.