THE past few weeks have been a difficult time for Inverclyde, especially in Port Glasgow as we learned that Ferguson Shipbuilders had gone into receivership. As we are fully aware, Ferguson Shipbuilders is the last yard on the lower Clyde and when I heard the news I was devastated for all the workers, especially as I was brought up in the Port.

Since the announcement there has been a concerted effort by elected representatives and organisations to ensure the yard had a future.

I’ve attended the two task force meetings led by the Scottish Government Finance Secretary, John Swinney MSP, and we’ve been hopeful that shipbuilding will continue on the lower Clyde. The efforts of all those involved to find a positive outcome has been welcomed and seeing the First Minister visit Port Glasgow twice in the last week was an important step in showing how important the yard and the workforce are.

On Monday, we heard the positive news that Clyde Blowers are the preferred bidder for the yard.

Now the work starts in earnest to ensure Ferguson’s and shipbuilding will continue on the lower Clyde.

The speed of what has happened has been incredible, something the trades unions representatives have commented positively on.

I welcome the reaffirmed commitment from all interested parties including the Scottish Government, Inverclyde Council and trades unions that shipbuilding and marine based activities on the lower Clyde re-start as soon as possible. I look forward to even more launches taking place at the yard.