Ferguson needs lifeline

The Port Glasgow yard of Ferguson is facing an empty order book and is hoping to receive a life-saving order for two new link-spans from the private ferry operator Western Ferries. There could also soon be an order for a new ferry.

Western Ferries’ managing director Gordon Ross said they had already had discussions with Ferguson’s about the linkspans. “We are just waiting for clarification from the planning authorities before we can put the work out to tender,” he said. “We have had a fantastic working relationship with Ferguson’s in the past and were very satisfied with the last two vessels they built.”

It had originally been hoped the new linkspans, at McInroy?s Point and Hunter?s Quay, would be in place for this year?s Cowal Games in August. “That is not going to happen now, although we hope to be able to go out to tender soon,” he said.

The new linkspans are being put in place as future replacements for the existing linkspans that are nearing the end of their life. There is no intention at present to use both linkspans at the same time, he said, although it was possible in the future the old linkspans may be replaced.

Western Ferries also has plans for a new ferry, but these have been put on hold until a Scottish Executive decision on competitive tendering for ferry services.