FURTHER delays to the two Calmac ferries being built at Ferguson Marine have been officially confirmed today.

Depute First Minister John Swinney announced the Glen Sannox will not be ready to sail until autumn this year.

He says that 'persistent design gaps and build errors' are to blame and the 'programme has been slower than planned.'

It had been hoped the ferry would be ready in May.

Meanwhile the second vessel - known as the Hull 802 - will be delayed further until autumn 2024.

It follows criticism earlier this week from the public spending watchdog after bonuses were paid out to senior managers and there was 'uncertainty' over the future viability of the yard.

The government has announced an additional £6 million pounds is to be allocated to help in the bid to complete the ferries, which are now running five years late.