A CALL for the Scottish Government to stand by Ferguson Marine and aim to bring further work to the Port Glasgow yard has been made by Inverclyde’s MSP.

Stuart McMillan asked the cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop to reaffirm ministers’ commitment to supporting the yard as it closes in on completing the two overdue and overbudget ferries it is currently constructing.

Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa were due for delivery in 2018 but are still yet to be handed over to ferry operators Caledonian MacBrayne.

Mr McMillan’s call came the same week as it was reported that the yard had finished fabricating sections of steelwork for new Royal Navy warships.

The yard had been undertaking the work for BAE Systems, who had outsourced the construction of the units to support their delivery of the Type 26 frigate programme.

The hull sections have now been transported up the Clyde to BAE System’s yard in Govan.

SNP politician Mr McMillan has been one of a number of local figures who have called for the yard to be awarded work as part of the upcoming small vessel replacement programme for government-owned procurement agency CMAL.

The local representative asked for an update on the work and asked Ms Hyslop to renew the Scottish Government’s pledge to help the yard.

He added: “The recent launch of the Glen Rosa at the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow was a milestone for the yard.

“It was also a reminder that the completion of the two vessels nears and that the yard needs to secure future work.”

In response to Mr McMillan’s question about the small vessel replacement programme, Ms Hyslop said: “Ministers are currently considering the outline business case for phase one of the small vessel replacement programme, which includes the potential approach to procurement.

“We expect an update on the outcome in the coming weeks.

“I know that many members are keen to know that outcome.

However, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail while the business case is still being reviewed.”

On Mr McMillan’s question about the Scottish Government’s commitment to the yard, she highlighted her ministerial colleague Mairi McAllan’s previous pledge to ‘leave no stone unturned’ in securing a sustainable future for Fergusons.

She added: “We know that Ferguson Marine is actively pursuing future work, and we will continue to support it in any way that we can to secure new contracts and a sustainable future for commercial shipbuilding in Scotland.”