Flynn accepts a February 2027 handover for Glen Rosa

The Scottish Parliament has published a letter dated 29 October 2026 from Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, to Willie Rennie, convener of the Transport Committee. Flynn wrote that he has accepted his officials’ recommendation to alter the handover date for MV Glen Rosa.

The letter says that while MV Glen Rosa remains capable of delivery in quarter four according to Ferguson Marine’s operational plan, the Glen Rosa Coordination Group recommended a February 2027 handover as the most effective delivery approach. The group comprises representatives from CMAL, CalMac, Ferguson Marine and Transport Scotland, and Scottish Government officials.

Wärtsilä has delivered the replacement propeller blades for Glen Rosa. Flynn wrote: “Now that Wärtsilä has delivered the replacement propeller blades for Glen Rosa, an opportunity has arisen to install them at dry-docking in January before the vessel enters service.” He wrote that he has accepted that this will be operationally more effective. The letter says it will support operational learning from the replacement propeller blades on Glen Sannox and ensure that the LNG systems are only filled and commissioned once. It also says the option provides for retention of MV Isle of Lewis throughout more of the winter period.

“The revised plans should still see MV Glen Rosa enter service in early 2027, with deployment dates and plans to be confirmed by CalMac nearer the time,” the letter says. “I have therefore chosen to accept this approach.”