A Greenock-born MSP has praised staff at Ferguson Marine after the long-awaited Glen Sannox was given the green light to carry passengers.

The shipyard has taken a major step towards handing the vessel over to CalMac by securing its passenger certificate.

The update was announced in a letter from Ferguson’s interim chief executive John Petticrew to members of the Scottish Parliament’s net zero, energy and transport committee today.

Following the completion of legal and contractual processes, the ferry will be transferred to CMAL before being handed over to CalMac.

READ MORE: MV Glen Sannox reaches major milestone as handover draws nearer

Mr Greene, who represents Inverclyde as an MSP for the West Scotland region, said: “With the Glen Sannox one step closer to being handed over to CalMac, there will be a widespread sense of relief both locally and across the entire ferry network which is in desperate need of this additional capacity.

“To say there have been challenges with the construction of this vessel would be an understatement, but this is a moment for celebrating the achievement of our local shipbuilders at Ferguson Marine and the preservation of Greenock’s proud shipbuilding heritage.

“We all look forward to the smooth handover of the Glen Sannox to CalMac and for the vessel to carry passengers on the Arran route, whilst also looking forward to seeing what the future of this government owned shipyard looks like.”