To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the finance secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding the allocation of any additional funding to meet the cost increases for MV Glen Rosa that were recently announced by Ferguson Marine. (S6O-04781)

I meet ministerial colleagues regularly in relation to budgetary matters, including the Deputy First Minister on the recently announced additional funding needs related to MV Glen Rosa. I will continue to work closely with the Deputy First Minister to support the funding of that new ferry.

Ferguson Marine has stated that it needs an additional £35 million to complete the late and massively over-budget MV Glen Rosa, the total cost of which is now estimated to be a staggering £185 million—nearly four times the original contract price. Will the cabinet secretary guarantee that that will be the final payment that taxpayers will have to make to complete the vessel? What discussions have she and her ministerial colleagues had with Ferguson Marine to ensure that Scottish taxpayers are not, again, placed on the hook to deliver the vessel?

As the Deputy First Minister has said, the news of the further delay and increased cost to deliver MV Glen Rosa is “unacceptable” and deeply frustrating. Our island communities rely on a resilient and reliable ferry service, and they deserve better. We have made it clear—the Deputy First Minister has made it very clear directly to Ferguson Marine—that the situation cannot continue and that strong leadership and urgent delivery are now non-negotiable. That could not be clearer.

The project issues with the Glen Rosa are well rehearsed, but does the cabinet secretary recognise that the fundamental problem is the insufficient volume of work that is going through Ferguson Marine? It is carrying an overhead and has not enough demand signal. What is the cabinet secretary doing to reform public procurement to include social value clauses, so that we can get more shipbuilding work through public procurement contracts?

Paul Sweeney has highlighted an important issue, although it is quite a difficult one, as he will be well aware. Under public procurement rules, direct awards are possible only in very strict and limited circumstances. Public procurement rules cannot just be set aside; there are rules and laws and, potentially, legal challenge governing the way in which those rules are applied. We absolutely want a bright future for Ferguson Marine. We want it to win contracts. However, that has to happen in a way that is above legal reproach.

I have a straightforward question: are there any circumstances whatsoever under which the Scottish Government would refuse more money, if asked for it, to complete the Glen Rosa, or is it the case that we have simply passed the point of no return and that the vessel will be finished, whatever the cost?

As I said in response to Sue Webber, the Deputy First Minister could not have been clearer that the situation is unacceptable and that strong leadership and urgent delivery are now non-negotiable. It is very important for our island communities that the vessel is delivered, but Ferguson and its leadership have to deliver the ferry within the timescale and the budget allocation that have now been agreed. The Deputy First Minister has been very clear about that point.

Humza Yousaf joins us remotely.