A NEW fishing boat built by Ferguson Marine was officially handed over to its new owners in Greenock yesterday.

The 21-metre support vessel for the country's salmon fishing industry was built for Isle of Mull company Inverlussa Marine Services.

Alex Campbell of Ferguson Marine was on board to pass it on to owner Douglas Wilson at Serco's yard at the Great Harbour.

Mr Wilson, who runs the business with his son Ben, said he was pleased with the vessel which has been named Helen Rice after his great-grandmother, in keeping with the company's tradition of naming its fleet after female relatives.

He said: "I'm really pleased with it.

"Ferguson's have done a great job."

The boat left yesterday to make the journey to its home in Mull.

Mr Campbell, ship manager for Ferguson's, now being run by the Scottish Government,said: "It took about a year to build.

"It was a contract taken on by the previous management.

"The company is run by Douglas Wilson and his son Ben and the ship is the first of two commissioned to be built by Ferguson Marine.

"It's a bit of good news for the yard, handing over a vessel.

"We haven't handed over a vessel since 2016.

"It's good it completed and up and running."