Sir, – The more I read about the problems associated with the Ferguson Marine Glen Sannox Ferry contract, and especially as the SNP Government is now providing much of the finance to keep the yard going, I am now very concerned whether it is indeed money well spent in saving this venture.
With this in mind the government opposition parties should be asking direct questions to the SNP Government at Holyrood on the following issues now coming to light:
How rigorous was the contract award process carried out, as the most expensive of six competing bids somehow won this contract?
Who was responsible for managing the pre-contract award due diligence exercise, and where is the paperwork showing this was carried out in a competent fashion?
How was design approval carried out, especially now we find the bulbous bow is to be cut off and replaced because it does not meet specification requirements?
How was the design change process managed, as this aspect is said to have caused massive cost over-runs and inevitable long delays to final completion?
Who was responsible for designing a ferry that’s now known to be too large for existing quayside infrastructures?
Deformation of the hull plates can plainly be seen on the Glen Sannox.
This proves no consideration was given to distortion control during welding operations and the certifying authorities may now be concerned due to built-in residual stresses on the hull plates and frames throughout this build.
Was any consideration given to this when handing over our government moneys?
Whose idea was it to engineer and install dual fuelled propulsion units, as any gas required has to be shipped up from the south of England?
How much time did our finance secretary devote to going over Ferguson’s books and were any quality assurance audits conducted on all yard design and construction practices before he decided to award the tens of millions needed to complete (or scrap?) these ferries?
Mike Miller.
25 Craigievar Ave,
Carron, Falkirk.
The right to your beliefs
Sir, – I understand Peter Tatchell of Stonewall supported the Ashers in the gay cake case, and it was never about the sexuality of the person placing the order, which was unknown to the bakers when the order was placed, and someone who they served on many previous occasions. It was about the ability of anyone to adhere to what they believe in.
As Christians they did not believe in gay marriage and refused to display something supporting that, in the same way a baker who is independence supporter is not obliged to put Support The Union on a cake.
Also, in the same way I am not obliged, as an independence supporter, to put a poster for the Conservative and Unionist Party in my window if I do not want to do it.
Should a gay baker be obliged to put something on a cake that supported the Christian Institute, if he did not believe in it or their views?
As for the controversy over Franklin Graham and his UK tour, while there are laws against racism, and hatred on the grounds of homosexuality, there are no laws against hating Scots or independence supporters.
But then again we don’t have to support pro union parties.
Peter Ovenstone.
6 Orchard Grove,
Peterhead.
Scots make Britain great
Sir, – Let us put aside the appalling impression made by the SNP worldwide at the moment, due to indiscretions by numerous high-ranking people in its ranks.
The thing is, Britain was made largely by the real Scots.
Leave aside all the tea towel stuff, although that is important. Check out folk like Thomas Cochrane, a fighting sailor in the time of Nelson, and RAF hero Bill Brodie from Govan.
The real Scots daren’t identify themselves or they get a brick through their windows when the Union flag is displayed.
Watch footage of the demonstrations in Dundee during the referendum, then watch the same for Munich in 1933.
From industrial and military might through all disciplines to our present monarch, Scotland has given Britain per capita far more than the rest of Britain.
The SNP has turned pride into resentment. Time to turn it back through decent education in schools throughout the UK and unashamedly applauding this fantastic country.
By the way, I’m a bagpipe-playing, whisky-drinking, porridge-eating, kilt-wearing real Scot who has travelled the world for the past 50 years and I know what folk think in those faraway places – the world needs Britain and Britain needs Scotland, and all the Celts on these islands.
Iain S. Stewart.
28 Kidd Street,
Kirkcaldy.
East Neuk care home great idea
Sir, – I was interested in the thoughtful letter, contributed by James Bowman (“Care homes for East Neuk”, February 7).
The Ladywalk Care Home issue has rumbled on and on without any positive outcome.
The local jungle drums said ‘they are knocking down the high rise flats in April’, an email to Fife housing department confirmed this.
When asked what was planned for the site, the answer was, ‘so far nothing’.
How about a Care Home for the East Neuk?
Plus, if there is enough space, more sorely needed council dwellings.
As to the Ladywalk site, my personal preference would be more council housing. Perhaps a mix of homes for both older people and younger families. Next to Bankie Park, ideal.
Who could complain about that?
Bill Ledger.
43 Dreelside,
Anstruther.
Budget blow to care services
Sir, – Marie Curie and Hospice UK are disappointed the Scottish budget does not include additional funding to support hospice and palliative care services.
An estimated one in four people do not currently get the care they need and by 2040, an estimated 50,000 people in Scotland will need palliative care.
Hospices in Scotland are under considerable and growing financial pressure driven by the rise in demand, static statutory funding, and a lack of resource and capacity to make the systemic change needed to make care fit for the future.
Hospices play a vital role in helping the Scottish Government realise its commitment that, by 2021, everyone who needs palliative care will be able to get it.
A £5 million boost would improve hospice and palliative care services’ long-term financial viability as well as helping extend the reach of care into communities. This would enable more people to be cared for and die at home, where 61% of Scots said they wanted to be in a recent Marie Curie poll.
Hospice and palliative care providers in England were awarded £25 million funding in August last year. No equivalent funding has been passed on to Scottish hospice and palliative care services, despite them facing the same pressures.
Cou
