Stuart McMillan MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde is overjoyed at the Scottish Government’s intention to commission the construction of four new vessels at Ferguson Marine, securing £14.2 million previously earmarked for investment in the Port Glasgow shipyard.
The proposed programme would form the core of the year’s workload over the next five years and includes two new ferries for the Sound of Harris and Sound of Barra as part of the next phase of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme. It also covers replacement vessels for the marine research ship Scotia and the marine protection vessel Minna.
Commenting, Stuart said:
“As a son of a coppersmith who worked at the yard before he passed, this news has been particularly special for me.
“I’ve always been open about how the yard is personal for me, and as the local MSP, over the years I’ve been frustrated at the situation at Ferguson’s but today was a good news day for the yard.
“This programme will provide a sustained pipeline of work for Ferguson Marine, supporting the shipyard’s long‑term viability and its role as a major employer in Inverclyde.
“For the workforce, particularly apprentices, this announcement offers improved job security, and I suspect will deliver a significant boost to morale as the yard approaches completion of the Glen Rosa.
“There is no denying the challenges the yard has faced under public ownership, part of which are a result of a previous lack of investment, but without intervention, the shipyard and the employment it provides would have been lost.
“I regularly engage with the Shop Stewards, senior management at the yard and the Scottish Government to ensure that Ferguson’s has a future. I’ve repeatedly asked for investment and for direct awards so the yard can go on to become a credible and competitive shipbuilder.
“I’m planning to visit the yard later this week to welcome this announcement and once again show my support to the workforce who’ve remained steadfast through it all.”
