NOW FERRY IN FUNNELS FLOODS FIASCO

THE SNP's long-delayed ferry have suffered another setback after the funnels were removed - and the ship flooded when it rained.

- Craig McDonald

MV Glen Rosa is still under construction at the Ferguson Marine yard at Port Glasgow, with the vessel six years behind schedule and more than £100million over budget.

It can be revealed after the funnels were removed to allow internal work, the gap wasn't sealed and the vessel flooded during rain at the Clyde yard a fortnight ago. The distinctive red funnels were only fitted for Glen Rosa's much-delayed launch last year for cosmetic purposes to give the impression it was nearer completion than was actually the case.

It later emerged the vents would fit components including engine parts, with that work ongoing.

A source said: "Who would have expected it to rain in the west of Scotland? Everyone except those in charge, it seems. Nobody knows why the gap wasn't sealed.

"It's one thing after another at the yard. The Scottish Government and Ferguson's just don't seem to have a grip on things. No one is sure when this vessel will ever be in service." Photographs yesterday showed the vents now covered on the Glen Rosa, with its red funnels sitting nearby on the quayside.