FERGUSON Marine’s interim CEO is ‘optimistic’ about the prospect of new shipbuilding contracts following last week's summit on the future of the yard - attended by deputy first minister Kate Forbes.

John Petticrew was absent from the major meeting at Inverclyde Council headquarters due to illness, but said it was clear there was ‘strong support’ for ensuring a sustainable future for the proud Port Glasgow industrial hub.

Ms Forbes - who is also Scotland's economy secretary - told the Telegraph after the meeting that decisions around further investment and a direct award of work to the yard would be taken ‘sooner rather than later’.

READ MORE: Kate Forbes says 'urgent' decision needed on Ferguson Marine

Mr Petticrew said he was ‘disappointed’ to have missed the high profile event but thanks the deputy FM for her involvement.

Greenock Telegraph: PORT GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Ferguson Marine shipyard on September 14, 2018 in Port Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jamie Simpson/Herald & Times) - JS.

He told the Tele: “Our top priority is completion and handover of Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa and we are working with the team at CMAL to ensure we achieve the agreed delivery dates. 

“We continue to work closely with the Scottish Government on the future of the shipyard."

The yard is hopeful that it can secure a contract to construct seven all-electric 'loch class' ferries for Caledonian MacBrayne as part of the upcoming small vessels replacement programme.

It has previously requested £25m of additional investment to help it become more competitive on the open market, however, this request was rejected by ministers last year.

A decision on revised funding proposals which the yard submitted this year is expected in the near future.

Mr Petticrew said that the nationalised yard would welcome the small vessels contract being directly awarded to it, as has been suggested by unions and local politicians.

He added: “We are waiting for a decision on further investment in the yard to help us secure new contracts; there are active discussions going on with potential customers and, while I can’t go into detail, I am optimistic. 

“We eagerly await a decision on plans for the Small Vessel Replacement Programme and would welcome a direct award, but we recognise there are significant legal barriers to be overcome.

“What’s clear from the summit is there is strong support for building a sustainable future for the shipyard and its workforce and I would like to thank Ms Forbes for her involvement.”