FIRST Minister Urged To Look At Direct Award Of Ferry Contract For Ferguson Marine

INVERCLYDE Council’s Leader has called for a direct award of ferry contracts to Port Glasgow-based Ferguson Marine and clarity from the Scottish Government on the yard’s plans for work.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, who co-chaired the original jobs taskforce to save the yard from closure alongside then Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney MSP, has written to the First Minister seeking answers.

He said: “When the Scottish Government took over the yard in Port Glasgow it was made clear that finishing the existing contracts and getting more work were the priorities.

“Two years on and speculation is mounting about the future of the yard. It is absolutely crucial that the workforce and the community get answers about its future.

“Ferguson Marine is a large employer in the area and it is right that we do all we can to protect jobs at any time but particularly as we move towards recovery from the pandemic which has affected so many business sectors.

“I have asked the First Minister to provide clarity on the Scottish Government’s future plans for the yard.”

He added: “I am also looking for answers on CMAL’s allocation of £281million for vessels in Transport Scotland’s Infrastructure Plan and what arrangements can be put in place to make a direct award to Ferguson Marine to build the next phase of ferry vessels and help secure jobs at the yard.”