SNP ministers been accused of leaving Scotland's lifeline ferries to rust as new figures show the cost of repairs is up by almost a quarter.Research by Labour shows that since the start of the current CalMac franchise in 2016 the cost of maintaining the fleet has risen by 23 per cent to £17,262,000 for the year.
The Scottish Government has faced severe criticism over repeated delays in the construction of two new vessels for ferry operators Caledonian MacBrayne.
Ministers were forced to nationalise the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow after massive cost overruns forced it into receivership.
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said delays in bringing new ferries into service was causing maintenance bills for existing boats to sky rocket.Repair
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