CALMAC'S new ferry MV Glen Rosa has successfully launched at Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow today.

Thousands of people attended to witness the historic launch event at around 1.30pm. 

The MV Glen Rosa - which is destined for the Arran route - is the second of two delayed ferries built by the nationalised shipyard.

Crowds cheered as the 3,000-tonne vessel successfully left the slipway and rolled into the River Clyde, with Inverclyde MSP and piper Stuart McMillan playing the Skye Boat Song in the background.

Greenock Telegraph:

Former Ferguson's apprentice Beth Atkinson officially named Glen Rosa before she hit the water for the first time.

A team of five women who served as apprentices at the shipyard joined officials on stage for the launch.

Scottish Government's wellbeing economy secretary Mairi McAllan said: "I think the future of shipbuilding in Scotland is summed up best of all by the fact that I'm joined on stage today by five female individuals who have trained at Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow."

Greenock Telegraph:

Former Ferguson Marine chief executive David Tydeman was sacked around two weeks ahead of the launch - just over two years after taking the helm at the troubled yard.

READ MORE: Government under pressure on firing of Ferguson Marine boss

Non-executive director John Petticrew then took over as interim chief executive.

Glen Sannox and her sister ship Glen Rosa are currently six years late and will cost several times their initial £97million contract price when delivered.

The ferry, formerly known as Hull 802,  is due to be handed over to operators CalMac by September 2025.