Greene: Investigation must get to bottom of CalMac severance scandal

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy and finance spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP has said that an investigation must urgently get to the bottom of an enormous severance package paid to the former boss of CalMac which broke public finance rules.

It comes after reporting by the Herald newspaper that Robbie Drummond, the former boss of the publicly owned CalMac, received a severance package of more than £170,000.

Severance packages to Scottish public bodies are capped at £95,000. Package exceeding this amount require ministerial approval.

Following questioning by Jamie Greene in the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government indicated that Mr Drummond’s pay-off did not receive ministerial approval, meaning it broke public finance rules.

An internal investigation has now been launched to look into the circumstances of the settlement.

Jamie Greene said:

“It’s clear that the Scottish Government was left in the dark over the full details of the severance payments made to the former CalMac Chief Executive.

“This is not the first time a public body has failed to consult the Scottish Government about its use of public funds for expensive golden goodbyes. It points to systemic and repeated issues with the SNP’s handling of public bodies.

“An urgent investigation into this situation must now be carried out by the Scottish Government to ensure public funds are not used in this way again.”