Workers at Ferguson's shipyard have accused a local MSP of potentially endangering its future

Union leaders from the GMB have issued an ultimatum to Tory Jamie Greene, saying he is 'playing politics with the future of the yard' while workers push through a catch-up programme for the delayed MV Glen Sannox.

The contract, and large government payments to the yard, have been a source of controversy in recent months, with Mr Greene raising questions about the matters.

Last week there were reports that Transport Scotland and Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) had discussed moving Glen Sannox - and construction of another dual-fuel ferry - elsewhere amid a dispute between CMAL and Ferguson's.

The union says this follows 'a sustained campaign by Mr Greene and the Scottish Conservatives against the Scottish Government’s £45 million loan support for the Port Glasgow shipbuilder'.

GMB organiser Gary Cook said: “State support for our commercial shipbuilding sector is a positive thing.

"Our European and Far East competitors heavily rely on state subsidies and if we want to compete and grow in this industry then we do need investment and support.

"It is regrettable that Mr Greene and his party had very little to say about our commercial shipbuilding sector until the opportunity to play some party politics emerged.

"We would much rather he focused on helping resolve the impasse between the employer and CMAL."

The contract to build the new ferries, awarded by the Scottish Government, gave Ferguson's vital work.

But a political row was triggered when it emerged Ferguson Marine had been given a £45m loan facility by the Scottish Government.

Mr Cook added: "While the workforce are cracking on with the catch-up programme for the Glen Sannox, we are very concerned that some people in the Holyrood bubble are happy to try and undermine Ferguson’s for party political point scoring.

"It isn’t helpful at all.

"The message from our members to Mr Greene is very clear: stop playing politics with our future.

"Get behind the workforce and the yard so we can get on with the business of building world class ships in Inverclyde."

The Tele contacted Mr Greene's office but he did not respond to our request for a comment as we went to press.