Is the Scottish Government controlled by a party that wishes to see the destruction of the United Kingdom set to become the controllers of part of the port of Southampton?
That’s the question this paper asks today with the revelation that a little-known company part-owned by the Scottish Government has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the Marchwood Military Port complex by the Ministry of Defence.
The decision was made in the teeth of other bids, notably by Associated British Ports (ABP), who already own and run most of Southampton docks.
The decision to choose a little-known, newly created firm owned by the Scottish company David MacBrayne Ltd, and another small docks company GBA (Holdings) Ltd, has raised eyebrows and questions as to why larger players such as ABP have been discounted.
However, suggestions that the move is a sop to appease Scottish voters is quite rightly being discounted. It is doubtful anyone voting in the coming General Election in Scotland will pay any attention to such a relatively small scale development on the English south coast.
Yet this is a puzzle, and one that many who live and work in area and have an interest in the future of Southampton as a port will be watching with interest.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here