LABOUR MSP Neil Bibby is pressing the Scottish Government to commit to ‘urgent’ essential investment at Ferguson Marine.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Bibby MSP said: “The GMB trade union, supported by parties from across the chamber, has made the government aware of an impending deadline for placing an order for a new plating line at Ferguson’s.

"Workers and management are clear that the investment is essential to improving efficiency and securing a future for the yard."

He challenged Neil Gray, cabinet secretary for wellbeing economy, fair work and energy, to invest in new facilities at the yard.

Mr Gray said the government would 'look to do everything we can to ensure that the yard is supported, within the powers and resources that we have'.

Speaking after the exchange, Mr Bibby said: “It is disappointing that the cabinet secretary would not give a commitment to provide the urgent investment that Ferguson's needs.

"I hope the cabinet secretary will recognise the urgency here, and commit to this investment, and the future of Ferguson's as soon as he possibly can.”