THE deputy first minister declared that there is a future for Ferguson Marine as she arrived in Greenock this morning ahead of a crunch summit. 

Economy secretary Kate Forbes said she was ready to work with other stakeholders to ensure a 'sustainable future' for the yard in a brief statement outside Greenock's Municipal Buildings earlier today. 

The SNP politician, who was appointed to her current role last week, is one of a number of officials in town today to take part in major talks about the future of Ferguson Marine which have been organised by the GMB Union. 

Ms Forbes said: "This is obviously my first time engaging with the unions as well as the yard after being appointed just a week ago, so I hope that reflects the importance that I place on ensuring that there is a sustainable future for the yard. 

"And also as a highlander I care immensely about ensuring that our vessels are delivered for island communities and that clearly is one of the priorities I think we all share.

"Clearly I have been involved with Ferguson Marine in the past in previous roles as economy secretary.

"But a lot has changed and my primary interest today is to listen to the shop workers, to listen to the unions, to understand what the opportunities are for the future of the yard and then to engage with cabinet colleagues, not least the transport secretary, to ensure that we can work together with a sustainable future for the yard and also to ensure that we have vessels delivered for the island communities that depend on them."