AN iconic landmark on Inverclyde's skyline is being removed to make way for a brand new £500,000-plus structure.

Ferguson Marine yesterday started removing the familiar yellow tower crane which has stood at the shipyard for 37 years, as they prepare to install a new, bigger and better version.

In a bid to support the growth of the business, the existing 31m tall crane will be replaced with a new 42m structure.

The new crane was designed and manufactured by Spanish firm JASO and will have a maximum load of 24 tons and reach of 70 metres.

This will offer Ferguson's more scope to move material and equipment within the yard.

Tim Hair, the turnaround director at Ferguson Marine Ltd, said: "The tower crane is an essential part of the shipbuilding process and the old one has served the yard well for many years.

"The replacement crane, at a cost of over half a million pounds, is a major capital investment in Ferguson and a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Scottish Government to the long-term future of the yard."

The work to install the new crane is being project-managed by the same tower crane technician - Denis Agnew - who installed the old crane way back in 1983.

Mr Agnew was working for French crane company Potain at the time, learning his trade.

Since then he has set up his own company - Coatbridge-based DA Services - which has been providing repairs and maintenance services for the shipyard crane for its entire lifespan.

Denis said: "It’s hard to believe almost four decades have passed since the crane was installed.

"I can remember the work quite clearly.

"I was only cutting my teeth in the industry at that time.

"At almost 40 years old, it’s a good time to replace the crane.

"Repairs and maintenance have kept it going efficiently in recent years, but eventually we reach a point where it doesn’t make commercial sense to continue fixing it, but instead upgrade to a new one.

"The new crane will be bigger and stronger, and the added load and reach will support more efficient shipyard operations."

Work to dismantle the old crane started in the early hours of yesterday.

Once it is fully removed, ground testing will be carried out to assess the foundations and ensure they are suitable for the new crane.

It's expected the new crane will be installed by mid-December, subject to ground testing and weather conditions.