THE new boss of Ferguson Marine has conceded that marketing the maligned shipyard for future contracts is a 'hard sell' as he outlined his vision to get the firm back on track.

Interim CEO John Petticrew, who replaced predecessor David Tydeman last month, said a robust business plan should provide a clear route forward to secure more work once the two CalMac ferries are finally completed.

The experienced industry expert, from Greenock, said: "We have to be more competitive so that it's easier to get contracts.

"That competitiveness is coupled to improving the yard slightly and that's why we have spent a lot of time with the board producing a business plan to give to the government and assist us in getting that.

"We're more than capable of making it.

"I can't speak for the past, I can only speak for the future. It's a hard sell but they have built ships here before, they have built ships here on time and on schedule, we need to get back to that."

Greenock Telegraph: Greenock Telegraph:

Mr Petticrew said: "What I bring is I've been in shipbuilding all my life in shipyards all over the world, I've had challenges like this in front of me before.

"You're judged on results and what I've got to do is I've been tasked to have a look at the programmes that we have right now, go back to the board and explain to them where I think we are and in turn we'll report to the minister."

Marking the launch of the Glen Rosa on Tuesday, he said it was a 'significant milestone' in the project - not least because the ship was nearing a point of being too heavy to stay on the slipway and continue work.

He added: "It needs to go to the next stage to continue the process and push and get it out on time."