FERGUSON Marine’s newest project is no longer under wraps as Inverclyde prepares to say a fond farewell to the MV Glen Sannox.

The covers have now come off the ferry at the shipyard in Port Glasgow to reveal the CalMac livery in preparation for her launch on Tuesday by First Minster Nicola Sturgeon.

Glen Sannox and a sister vessel will be the first in the UK to use environmentally-friendly liquefied natural gas and marine gas.

The 102-metre ships will cost a total of £97 million, paid for by the Scottish Government through Port Glasgow-based CMAL (Caledonian Marine Assets Ltd), who own the ships and harbours used by CalMac.

Yard owner Jim McColl, who rescued it three years ago from closure, has praised the government’s decision to order dual-fuel ferries.

He said: “The foresight shown by the Scottish Government to pursue a low carbon future in the ferry sector provides Scottish industry with an excellent platform to establish a leading position in low carbon marine technology globally.”

Challenges presented by the complex specification of the vessels caused a two-month delay in the launch of Glen Sannox, and will mean she will not be delivered to CalMac until winter 2018/19 rather than next summer for service on the Ardrossan to Arran route.

There will also be a delay in handing over the second ferry, which will be used on the Skye ‘triangle’ route.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf will also be at the launch, which will also be attended by pupils from St Michael’s, St John’s, St Ninian’s, Gourock and Langbank primaries, as well as Craigmarloch School and Lomond View Academy.