The chief executive of Ferguson Marine - where the two delayed and over-budget CalMac ferries for Arran are being built - was sacked after telling ministers further delays were "likely".
As we revealed earlier today, David Tydeman's contract was terminated by the state-owned company's board.
The Scottish Government said this afternoon that any more delays to the two new Arran ferries - the Glen Sannox and the Glen Rosa - were "unacceptable".
Mr Tydeman had recently sought to highlight progress on the Glen Sannox, praising its performance in sea trials earlier this year.
But it emerged last month that costs for the Glen Sannox will rise to between £145.5 million and £149.1 million.
Mr Tydeman had previously indicated the ferry would be handed over to CalMac in late May, but it seems this deadline will no longer be met.
Under the latest estimates, the work to build the two ferries will be around triple the first price of £97 million and they will be handed over to the operator six years late.
Responding to news of Mr Tydeman's sacking, Wellbeing Economy Secretary Mairi McAllan said it was a matter for the board.
She added: "I am focused on the Scottish Government's priorities of completing the two ferries, ensuring FMPG (Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow) drives down on costs, and securing a sustainable future for the yard and its skilled workforce.
"While the yard had previously stated that the delivery date for Glen Sannox was planned for late May, we are aware that, in the last week, the outgoing CEO intimated further delay was likely.
"That is unacceptable. I know the board are intent on doing everything they can to ensure that delay does not happen.
"I will be stressing to the new interim CEO and the board the importance of the ferries entering service to our island communities as soon as possible."
Board chairman Andrew Miller said: "Ferguson Marine needs strong leadership to ensure its long-term future.
"The board recognised that action needed to be taken to restructure the current leadership team and it has taken these steps to address this.
"Our focus is on the completion of Glen Sannox and hull 802 (Glen Rosa), and the implementation of a robust business plan to improve the commercial viability of Ferguson Marine."
Mr Tydeman joined the Port Glasgow shipyard in 2022, having previously run a yacht-building company.
The GMB trade union said stability was needed at the shipyard.
Alex Logan, the union's convener at the yard, said: "Whoever is to blame for the problems with these ferries, it is categorically not the workers.
"They are skilled, committed and have endured years of unfair criticism and ongoing uncertainty about the future of their yard.
"Given the opportunity and the right leadership, this workforce can build a far brighter future for Ferguson Marine.
"We wish the new leadership of the yard well, but they must be given every possible support from the Scottish Government to urgently build and deliver a business plan that will secure contracts, protect skills and sustain jobs."
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