THE future of Port Glasgow’s Ferguson Marine shipyard remains uncertain due to inadequate governance, a watchdog has warned.

Scotland’s auditor-general Stephen Boyle made the remarks after investigating the troubled Scottish-government-owned yard following years of controversy that have seen its contract to build two CalMac ferries, the Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox, run six years late.

It is also more than 220 per cent over budget, and left with a £48,000 income tax bill after former chief executive David Tydeman agreed contract changes for a seconded employee without board or remuneration committee approval.

Mr Boyle said: “The future of the Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow shipyard remains uncertain.

“Currently the yard hasn’t secured any future work or income beyond the delivery of the Glen Rosa.

“We are again highlighting issues of inadequate governance and decision-making.

“An independent review of governance arrangements needs to be swiftly actioned to ensure such poor decisions, without the right checks and balances, are not repeated.”

SNP Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the Scottish government is committed to a sustainable future for the yard.

She said: “We are already working with Ferguson Marine to strengthen governance arrangements, we note the auditor-general’s report and expect the board to carefully consider the points it raises.”

GMB Scotland secretary Louise Gilmour said workers were blameless for the errors made by mangement at the yard, adding they “deserve the chance to build a new future for Fergusons.”

On the question of owned income tax, a spokesperson for the yard said they “immediately took the necessary steps to investigate, alert HMRC and ensure all monies due were paid.” 

“With regard to the future of the shipyard, we have a letter of comfort [a willingness to engage in contractural obligations] from the Scottish government for the majority of 2025, and we remain optimistic,” they said.