A GREENOCK business is shipshape as it enjoys a boom in business.

Dales Marine at James Watt Dock is busier than ever and has taken on a record 14 apprenticeships.

Billy Pollock, operations manager, said the ship maintenance firm is the busiest it has been in the past 15 years.

He said: "I have been here for 15 years now and it's the busiest I have ever seen it.

"Dales Marine took over about five years ago and there's been a lot of investment - about £5 million over five years.

"The apprentices to me are a big thing in this industry as there's an ageing workforce, so we need these young people to come in and take over.

"Normally we take on about three or four apprentices every second year.

"But this year we've taken on 14."

Billy says the yard and dry dock is currently 'buzzing' with activity as their expertly skilled workforce get to work on several vessels including the famous paddle steamer Waverley.

The company is also recycling an Irish fishing boat which ran aground in Ardglass, County Down last year.

Billy added: "We have a licence to recycle so we're currently recycling the Dillon Owen vessel which ran aground."

As well as investing in their staff and apprentices, the company is also in the process of building three new workshops for engineering, joinery and fabrication.

Billy added: "The three new workshops will make a big difference, as it means that we don't have to send equipment out to contractors.

"We will have that facility here now so it's creating jobs and revenue.

"There's a great buzz here just now."