Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has condemned SNP ministers after it was revealed that the cost of completing two delayed CalMac ferries has more than doubled and both vessels will enter service later than expected.

Mr Cameron said: “The SNP Government seems to possess no understanding of how critically important the ferry service is to island communities like those I represent in Argyll and Bute, Skye and the Western Isles.

“It is bitterly disappointing that the vessel destined for the Skye, Harris and North Uist route will not be ready until the summer of 2022.

“This saga is entirely the fault of the SNP government. Confidence is steadily draining away as the service deteriorates and costs escalate.

“No wonder hard-pressed businesses based on the islands take such a dim view of the SNP’s twelve-year record as custodians of our vital transport infrastructure.

“Nicola Sturgeon's government needs to stop obsessing about another independence referendum and instead do the job they are paid to do, which includes keeping our lifeline ferry services fit for purpose.”