THE Scottish Government has recruited new members of staff at Ferguson Marine shipyard.
Currently in the process of being taken into public control, 17 new recruits and 14 apprentices have been welcomed onto the shipyard, while a further ten vacancies have been advertised.
Derek Mackay, economy secretary, said while meeting the new recruits, “My focus is, and has always been, on ensuring completion of the two public sector ferries at the best value for money for the taxpayer, while also working towards the delivery of the other vessels under construction at the yard, and in doing so, securing jobs for the workforce through continuity of employment.
“Recruiting more staff to Ferguson Marine is a significant step forward in working towards completion of the two CalMac ferries, as well as achieving the best possible outcome for the yard and its employees. Visiting the yard has enabled me to meet with some of the new recruits and time-served apprentices, to hear about the work they are doing, and to assure them that we are doing all we can to ensure the future of the shipyard.
“While we continue to work with the administrators to bring the yard into public ownership, work on the vessels is progressing, and the additional staff being recruited will play a key role in this work.
“Establishing a revised timetable for the completion of the two ferries remains one of the main tasks for the management at the shipyard, and we will be able to update further on this in the coming weeks.
“While there is still more to be done, our actions have ensured that there will be a future for Ferguson Marine.”
