The Speakeasy with Douglas Lumsden MSP
In the first Speakeasy one-on-one I discuss long running issues concerning the Scottish National Investment Bank, LNG ferry fiasco, Clyde Hebridean contract debacle and the Ardorssan stand-off
In this episode sit down with Douglas Lumsden (Scottish Conservative MSP), Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport.
We delve into continuing questions still unanswered concerning the Scottish National Investment Bank. For those interested I have written articles previously on the story for Think Scotland and for the Substack in June 2023 and also November 2023. Further, l also recorded an interview with Disruption Banking’s Features Editor Harry Clynch. Later in the interview we discuss specific issues regarding the long-running ferry fiasco amid issues with liquified natural gas tankers. Finally exploring the ongoing Ardrossan port facilities investment standoff between Peel Ports, CalMac and the Scottish Government.
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Segment 1: discussing SNIB
Douglas Lumsden has been at the forefront in parliament pressing for answers concerning the continuing absence of the advisory boards (mandated by the SNIB Act 2020).
I reference the repeated questions he has posed in pursuit of clarity from the SNP administration as SNIB continues investing significant amounts of taxpayer cash.
For those interested, during the interview these are the questions asked and Scottish Government replies I’m quoting from.
Segment 2: LNG ferry fiasco and Ardrossan
In the second segment we discuss the ferries fiasco still rumbling on. Specifically I chose to hone in on the Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox imbroglio after the SNP government was compelled to admit it hasn’t a clue about when the liquified natural gas (LNG) tanks will be built to fuel the ‘green’ ferries.
Attached to the ferry discussion we dig into the SNP Government’s disinclination to make decisions; and how this threatens a status quoism upon remote island communities. Specifically the Clyde Hebridean contract issue, which having been delayed for so long now witnesses the Scottish Government pushing for a re-awarding of the contract to CalMac without any competitive tendering processes.
Lastly, Douglas Lumsden outlines his feelings about the lack of decision making by the Scottish Government regarding investment to overhaul and modernise Ardrossan facilities.
Peel Ports (owner) has claimed the harbour is “safe and effective” and any work which has had to be undertaken is due to damage caused by CalMac. For their part, CalMac dispute this and insist the harbour facilities have not been maintained properly and they may need to shift the service away to Troon. Something the SNP have insisted won’t happen, despite their current refusal to invest in the modernisation the infrastructure.
Interestingly Douglas Lumsden doesn’t rule out nationalisation of Ardrossan, accepting that all solutions must be on the table. Solutions which, sadly, the current SNP government refuse to make a decision on.
As always, I seek to have nuanced and fun conversations with fascinating people. The Speakeasy is born out of my desire for sincere discussion concerning challenging topics. As G.K Chesterton once wrote, “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly”, and this is the benchmark I’m striving for. And hopefully my readers will learn a few things along the journey.
My work is entirely reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber
Alternatively why not make a one-off donation? All support is appreciated