SCOTTISH ministers were accused today of “wreaking havoc” with public services as Labour cited delays to key infrastructure projects totalling over 29 years.

The party’s criticism followed a progress update on major capital projects across Scotland, highlighting delays caused by construction issues, labour shortages and inflation.

The report identified 19 delayed projects, including the two CalMac ferries being built at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow.

While the Glen Sannox is expected to start service on January 13, the Glen Rosa is now scheduled for delivery by September 2025, seven years later than planned.

Other delays include the NHS Forth Valley Treatment Centre, originally set to open in December 2022 but held back due to pipework and fire compliance issues, and HMP Highland, now expected by summer 2026 instead of July 2024.

Rail upgrades have also been affected, with plans to replace diesel trains on the Fife railway with battery-electric stock postponed indefinitely.

Ministers blamed the delays on post-Covid recovery, Brexit and the Ukraine war.

They said inflation and an 8.7 per cent real-terms cut to the capital budget from 2023 to 2028 have further strained resources, limiting the government’s ability to progress planned projects at the intended pace.

Labour finance spokesman Michael Marra said the report shows how “once again the SNP’s chaos and incompetence is wreaking havoc with Scottish public services.”

“From our hospitals to our public transport to our prisons, the SNP is letting the very fabric of our country crumble,” he said.”

“These devastating delays have meant longer NHS waiting lists, less reliable transport links, and the early release of hundreds of prisoners.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said it faces “significant pressures on our capital budget” and “prioritises funding to deliver on the First Minister’s priorities, which include growing the economy.”