A TROUBLED shipyard at the centre of a long-running dispute over two ferries has warned it is on the brink of administration.
Ferguson Marine – the last of its kind on the Clyde – has until next Friday to find the solution to a cash crisis sparked by the row.
Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government was determined to find a solution to the problem.
The shipyard has been in a long-running dispute with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), the public body that owns CalMac’s ferries, for months over the delivery of two vessels.
The row concerns rising costs for the building of two long-awaited ferries – now thought to be almost double the original £97 million contract price.
Ministers argue Ferguson Marine, owned by Scots tycoon Jim McColl’s Clyde Blowers firm, should foot the extra bill. However, if this cannot be agreed, it is believed the Scottish Government is preparing to nationalise the yard to ensure it stays open.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Our priority remains to ensure the completion of the vessels under construction, secure jobs for the workforce and protect the future of shipbuilding at the site.
“We have been working to secure a future for the shipyard for two years, and it is disappointing that we have not been able to reach a commercial solution with [Clyde Blowers] that would have prevented administrators becoming involved.
“We appreciate that this will be a concerning time for the workforce, their families and the local community, and we would like to reassure them that we are committed to maintaining the jobs on the site and building a secure future for the yard and its workforce.
Sturgeon tweeted: “I know that this news will be worrying for workers at Fergusons. @scotgov is determined to find a solution that will protect jobs and secure the future of the yard, and we will be continuing work over the weekend to find a way forward.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel