LOCAL SNP and Labour parliamentarians have joined together in calling for the Scottish Government to directly award a multi-million contract to Ferguson's shipyard for seven new Caledonian MacBrayne ferries.

MSPs Stuart McMillan and Neil Bibby have appealed to deputy first minister Kate Forbes - who addressed a key summit meeting on the future of Ferguson's on Thursday - to give the nationalised yard the work to build a fleet of all-electric 'loch class' vessels.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Mr McMillan said: “The fact that this [summit] was one of the new deputy first minister’s first external engagements since taking up the post last week shows the importance that she, and our government, place upon the yard.

"All in the room wanted Ferguson Marine to succeed and gain new orders.

“I was crystal clear with everyone that Ferguson’s needs to secure the small vessel replacement programme (SVRP) order, specifically the first seven vessels, and I want the Scottish Government to do this via a direct award."

Mr Bibby MSP - whose west Scotland area takes in Inverclyde - said: “I welcome the fact that the deputy first minister came to Inverclyde today to listen to the concerns of the workforce about the future of Ferguson Marine shipyard.

“What we need to see is urgent action to deliver on a plan that will safeguard the future of the yard.

“The deputy first minister heard the real concerns there are about the need for urgent investment and facilities at the yard to improve efficiencies in order to put it in the best place possible to win future work."

READ MORE: Kate Forbes says 'urgent' decision needed on Ferguson Marine

Ferguson's hopes to be given the contract to build the small ferries and has also submitted a request for additional government investment to help make the yard more competitive on the open market.

The ferries would be similar to vessels the yard has previously built on-time and on-budget.

Unions and local politicians are among those who have called for the small vessels contract to be directly awarded to the yard so that it has a steady stream of work while it tries to improve its productivity.

Greenock Telegraph: Stuart McMillan MSP

Mr McMillan said: “I appreciate that [direct award] is not a simple ask, the Scottish Government needs to weigh up the risks, one being a court challenge if they do a direct award.

“That said, since 2014, around 100 apprentices have started at the yard and most remain.

“We need to keep these young people in gainful employment, and we need to train the next 100.

“Veterans of the yard, like shop steward John McGonagle who is due to take a well-earned retirement next week, need to pass on their expertise before they leave the yard.

“A steady pipeline of work ensures we have jobs for apprentices.

“The direct award of the SVRP is the biggest tool we have to ensure the short to medium term future of the yard.”

Mr Bibby, who was also at the summit, said that a swift decision was needed to secure the yard’s future.

Greenock Telegraph: Neil Bibby MSP

He said: “That point has been made to the Scottish Government for a number of months now on a cross-party basis and I hope and anticipate that the Scottish Government will be making a decision soon on the case for the investment which is so badly needed.

“I think the deputy first minister understands the real urgency and necessity that there is to make a decision on this.

“There is a lot of blame to go round for the ferries fiasco, from ministers to former management agencies, but the one group of people who are blameless throughout are the workforce.

“The dedicated workforce need our support and it’s only right that they get investment in facilities at the yard so they can have a positive future.”