Derek Mackay to give evidence to MSPs over ferries scandal

Former finance secretary Derek Mackay will give evidence to MSPs about the ferries scandal this week, it has been confirmed.

Mackay was in post when the contract for the vessels was signed. They are now over-budget and over-deadline.

However, much of the row over the ferries and the deal with Inverclyde shipbuilder Ferguson Marine has played out since the former MSP left office.

He stood down from his government position when it emerged that he had sent hundreds of text messages to a schoolboy. Mackay left the SNP and then stood down as an MSP at the last election.

The Public Audit Committee is currently taking evidence on the procurement of new vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides and Mackay will appear before them this week.

The session will take place on Thursday morning and will also include input from David Middleton, the former chief executive of Transport Scotland.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, will also appear, as will Angela Canning and Gill Miller of Audit Scotland.

Last week Boyle called for more transparency in the way government money is spent.

The Scottish Parliament said: "Mr Mackay will appear in person as part of the Committee’s on-going work focussing on issues raised in the Auditor General for Scotland’s report."