Martin Booth, the former finance director of Glasgow City Council, joined the board of Ferguson Marine in April 2025, drawing attention due to his controversial tenure at the council. Booth was appointed as a non-executive director of the troubled nationalised shipyard, which has faced ongoing challenges since being brought into public ownership in 2019.

Booth served as Glasgow Council’s finance chief for six years before stepping down in late 2024. During his time in office, he became involved in two significant disputes that attracted criticism over transparency and governance. One issue concerned the awarding of more than £1 million in exit payments, often described as “golden goodbyes,” to five senior council officials. Auditors and council leaders expressed concern over the decision-making process. Susan Aitken, leader of the SNP-run council, stated that she had been “personally misled” about the payments. An audit by the Accounts Commission covering 2023-24 found that the packages had been arranged without proper councillor oversight and that some senior staff had not upheld expected ethical standards.

Booth was also linked to allegations of a cover-up involving budget cuts to teaching staff at the council, further intensifying scrutiny of his role in governance issues. A leaked email from 2021 revealed Booth expressing support for the lucrative retirement packages, describing them as consistent with council policy. One recipient of these payments, former council chief executive Annemarie O’Donnell, later repaid a pension sum amounting to £357,845.

Despite these controversies, Ferguson Marine, which has struggled with delays and cost overruns on ferry projects commissioned by CalMac, welcomed Booth’s appointment as part of a strategy to bolster its leadership. The shipyard highlighted his “deep expertise in finance and governance” as central to enhancing its financial sustainability. Graeme Thomson, chair of Ferguson Marine, said that elevating corporate governance remained a key priority and identified Booth as an important contributor to these efforts.

Nevertheless, some observers have questioned the wisdom of Booth’s appointment given his contentious track record at Glasgow City Council. One source commented that it seemed inconsistent to praise his governance credentials amid repeated transparency disputes, suggesting the move offered little reassurance for Ferguson Marine’s prospects. The shipyard continues to navigate complex operational and financial challenges as it seeks to restore confidence in its management and delivery capabilities.