#ferry- In a row between a Scottish shipyard and operator over claims that "significant design changes" to CalMac's delayed new Arran ferry today (Friday, 7 Dec.) has escalated to legal action, reports The Scotsman. 

Port Glasgow shipbuilders Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited (Fmel) announced it planned to make a claim against Scottish Government-owned Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (Cmal) - which owns CalMac's ferries - over the £97 million contract for the as previously Afloat.ie covered Glen Sannox and a sister vessel.

It said a claim would be lodged "within weeks" over the project to build the ferries which will be able to run on liquid natural gas or diesel.

Fmel has blamed the changes and the newness of the technology involved for delays to the Glen Sannox, which could now enter service on the main Arran route (see piece) a year late.

It may not now carry passengers until next autumn.

For further comments from both Fmel and Cmal, click here.