The SNP ferry fiasco has become even more of a disaster

In retrospect, the computerised boat in the movie Titanic looked more believable than the one Nicola Sturgeon stood in front of the day she ‘launched’ the Glen Sannox ferry, almost six years ago. With its famously painted on windows and oddly delicate looking bulbous bow – one of many parts subsequently replaced as it was found not to be fit for purpose – we can look back now and wonder who they were trying to kid with their fakery.

Historians might come to view that day as a microcosm of the SNP’s time in power. Children were bussed in and handed Saltire flags to wave and cheer as the ship went down the slipway, while Nicola Sturgeon assumed the role of head of state, hitting a button to release a bottle of champagne to smash against the boat’s side, with the words: ‘I name this ship Glen Sannox. May God bless her and all who sail in her.’