Achi news desk-
Scottish Government ministers were told last week that the state-owned company’s board was reviewing its senior leadership.
In recent years the aging nature of CalMac’s ferry fleet has led to delays and disruptions on its routes around the west coast of Scotland.
These problems have been compounded by ongoing delays to the construction of two ferries at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow.
READ MORE: CalMac boss resigns ‘with immediate effect’ after leadership review
Last week, the chief executive of the state-owned shipyard, David Tydeman, was sacked by his board.
The two ferries, which will eventually serve routes in the west of Scotland with CalMac, are around six years late and will cost around three times the original price of £97 million.
Ministers are also due to make a decision this summer on the award of the ferry services contract for the west coast, something which would have a significant impact on CalMac as a going concern.
The Conservatives’ transport spokesman in Scotland, Graham Simpson, said Mr Drummond had been made a “scapegoat” and called on the Scottish Economy and Well-being Secretary Mairi McAllan to provide answers.
He said: “Mairi McAllan – as the SNP minister responsible – is presiding over complete chaos in Scotland’s ferry network.
“Not a single ministerial resignation has been offered because of the scandal but now the head of CalMac and Ferguson Marine have been sacked within two weeks.
“The minister needs to urgently explain – not least to islanders who have been betrayed – what is happening here and why she believes that the dismissal of CalMac’s chief boss is a good idea.”
Scottish Labour’s transport spokesman, Alex Rowley, said: “The chaos on CalMac services is a direct result of the SNP’s deplorable mismanagement of Scotland’s ferry fleet.
“Regardless of who is in the top job at CalMac, islanders will continue to be disappointed until the SNP Government starts delivering the ferries we need.”
The Liberal Democrats made similar comments, with MSP Willie Rennie saying: “Another week, another resignation – yet none of the SNP ministers are carrying the can for the ferry chaos.”
On Wednesday last week, Ms McAllan answered MEPs’ questions about the situation at Ferguson Marine, but Mr Drummond’s position was not discussed.
Mr Drummond was previously managing director of CalMac before becoming its chief executive in October 2022.
Last year he was reported to have earned £170,000 in bonuses on top of his £143,000 salary.
His departure was announced in a statement from the company on Wednesday.
He said it is likely that the challenges experienced by island communities “will continue until new boats are introduced to the fleet over the next few years”.
Duncan Mackison, the former chief executive of CalMac’s holding company, David MacBrayne Ltd, has been appointed as interim boss until a permanent successor to Mr Drummond is found.
The Scottish Government said there were regular discussions with CalMac’s board chairman about the company’s performance.
A spokesperson said: “We thank Robbie Drummond for his contribution to CalMac and wish him well for the future.
“Decisions relating to the chief executive are to be made by the chairman, in consultation with the board.
“We welcome the chairman’s decision to appoint an interim CEO with immediate effect and his intention to recruit a permanent managing director who can take the business forward in the best interests of the communities that depend on it, and in a way that ensure maximum benefits from the substantial business. investment we continue to make in ferry services.”
