By Harry Bell
The GMB trade union at the publicly-owned Ferguson shipyard across the Clyde in Port Glasgow has claimed that government inaction is jeopardising its future.
GMB Scotland said a failure to deliver promised investment or new orders to Ferguson Marine would amount to “sabotage”.
The union has been calling for a direct award of a new CalMac ferry order to help the Port Glasgow yard restore its reputation after delays and huge cost overruns building two dual-fuel ships.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the shipyard was of “national importance” and the government had previously acted to save jobs but any contract awards must satisfy procurement and state subsidy rules.
During a debate at Holyrood on Tuesday she also made clear the release of modernisation funding was dependent on the firm presenting a revised business plan which factored in new orders.