**Ferguson Marine Director’s £144,000 Payment Raises Concerns**
In a shocking revelation, the Auditor General has expressed serious concerns over the significant increase in payments made to a senior manager seconded to the Government-owned Ferguson Marine shipyard. The director in question, Andy Crossan, who has retired since, was initially a senior figure at the ferry procurement body Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). However, he was seconded to Ferguson Marine following a request from then chief executive David Tydeman to strengthen his team.
**Questionable Payments and Lack of Oversight**
Initially hired with a salary of £36,000, Mr. Crossan’s pay was later increased to £54,000. However, through a company where he was the sole director, he invoiced Ferguson Marine for a staggering £144,000, leading to the yard having to cover £48,000 in unpaid taxes. Auditor General Stephen Boyle described the increase in payments as “exponential” during a hearing before the Public Audit Committee at Holyrood, raising concerns about the lack of proper checks and balances that allowed such circumstances to arise.
**Audit Findings and Accountability**
During the committee session, it was revealed that 21 individuals received exit packages totalling up to £440,000 in the 2023-24 financial year. The majority of these packages were payments in lieu of notice periods, with some attributed to “ill health.” This comes in the wake of the dismissal of David Tydeman, the former Ferguson Marine chief executive, with processes now in place to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
**Ongoing Developments and Fleet Updates**
Despite the controversies surrounding Ferguson Marine, the Glen Sannox, the first of the two delayed ferries, has finally entered service this week. The Glen Rosa is expected to be delivered in September, marking progress in the troubled shipyard’s efforts to fulfill its commitments.
As a local resident who relies on these ferries for transportation, it’s disheartening to witness the mismanagement and financial irregularities plaguing Ferguson Marine. The lack of oversight and accountability highlighted by the Auditor General’s findings raises questions about the stewardship of public funds and the impact on essential services for our community. It’s crucial for government agencies and auditors to maintain a vigilant eye on public expenditures to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of taxpayer money. Let’s hope that the reforms put in place will lead to improved governance and sustainable operations at Ferguson Marine, restoring public trust in this vital sector.