A state-owned ferry operator has sparked outrage after spending nearly £1 million of public money to house staff in a luxury Turkish hotel while overseeing vessel construction.
CalMac, which runs Scotland's lifeline ferry services, billed taxpayers for extensive stays at the five-star Kaya Palazzo Resort Hotel in Turkey, where employees were supervising the build of new vessels at the Cemre shipyard.
Luxury Accommodation Amid Service Crisis
While island communities faced constant ferry cancellations and aging vessels, CalMac was spending approximately £1 million on accommodation alone for staff in Turkey. The lavish resort boasts multiple swimming pools, a private beach, and extensive spa facilities.
Documents reveal the ferry firm spent:
- Over £800,000 on hotel accommodation
- Nearly £200,000 on flights and expenses
- Funds covering stays of up to two years for some employees
Growing Controversy Over Public Spending
The Scottish Conservatives have condemned the expenditure as "an insult to island communities" who have endured substandard ferry services for years. With many routes experiencing chronic delays and breakdowns, questions are being raised about spending priorities.
"At a time when our ferry services are in crisis, this level of spending on luxury accommodation overseas is utterly indefensible," said a transport spokesperson.
Defence and Accountability
CalMac has defended the expenditure, stating that having staff on-site was essential to ensure the new vessels met specifications and were delivered on time. However, critics argue the costs were excessive and lacked proper oversight.
The controversy comes as Scotland's ferry network continues to struggle with aging infrastructure and delayed vessel replacements, leaving many island communities isolated and frustrated with the service quality.
