Furious workers have told how a lifeline ferry deal to save Clyde shipbuilding has turned into a nightmare sinking their business.
Ferguson Marine employees spoke out after crisis talks at the yard, which is struggling with cost overruns on a £97million public sector ferry contract.
The Record went behind the scenes at the Port Glasgow shipyard to speak to workers.
Alex Logan, who has worked in the shipyard for 45 years, said: “There is a real sense of frustration. People around the town ask when are these ships going to be built and we just don’t know what to say.
“These are onerous government contracts that are holding the yard back. We are just worried about safeguarding jobs.”
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has offered to meet politicians worried about the shipyard, amid reports he may be planning to nationalise it.
The yard was saved from closure in 2014 by engineering tycoon Jim McColl, one of Nicola Sturgeon’s economic advisers, and swiftly landed a deal for two CalMac ferries.
But the contract has been plagued by design changes, delays and a dispute over money between Ferguson Marine and Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, the state-owned firm which owns CalMac’s assets.
Alex, who is the GMB union convener at the yard, said: “We realise the importance of these ferries to island communities.
“We want to deliver. We are equally happy to go with Jim McColl or the Scottish Government but we want to see everyone’s job safe.”
After a meeting between Ferguson Marine, politicians and unions, GMB Scotland organiser Gary Cook said: “Our priorities are securing jobs and work. This is a yard that should have a very bright future.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We’re focused on supporting the yard, completing the vessels and ensuring the future of shipbuilding at the site. We are working to deliver that outcome.”
