Future of Ferguson shipyard ‘uncertain’ – watchdog

Meanwhile, Kate Forbes said officials had been working with the board to explore options to improve productivity.

Ministers have promised to provide £14.2m over two years for new investment to help make the yard more competitive, but the funding is subject to due diligence and legal checks.

She added: “The draft 2025/26 Scottish Budget allocates £46m to Ferguson Marine for the completion of Glen Rosa and to cover the yard’s planned capital investment, subject to parliamentary approval.

“While we are already working with Ferguson Marine to strengthen governance arrangements, we note the auditor general’s report and expect the Board to carefully consider the points it raises.”

Gary Cook, GMB senior organiser for for manufacturing, the small vessels replacement programme programme – seven -all-electric ships for CalMac, similar to ones the yard has built successfully in the past – was crucial to the firm’s future.

He told BBC Radio Scotland’s Lunchtime Live programme: “We know there is shortcomings, we know that we are in desperate need of extra work and we are really looking forward to winning that [SVRP] tender.”

Mr Cook said the £14.2m grant would improve efficiencies at the yard and make it more competitive.

The union official added: “I think we are in a better position going forward.”