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.

“The buccaneering owner of Pentland Ferries, Andrew Banks, clearly regards maritime safety regulations with the same suspicion he regards trade unions.”

The RMT said that an inquiry should be held to ensure that crew and passengers were not exposed to an unacceptable level of risk on the MV Pentalina ferry.

Mr Banks denied that the change made to the vessel compromised passenger safety and said it would not affect any possible chartering deal.