Shipbuilding is heading home said SNP MSP Stuart McMillan as the Scottish Government announced a £20 million investment in two new hybrid ferries to be built at Ferguson's yard in Port Glasgow.

The vessels, a world first in the use of hybrid technology, will be built for Cal Mac and work on the west coast of Scotland.

100 new jobs including new apprenticeships will be created as a result of the four year contract.

Welcoming the news West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan whose father worked at Ferguson's said

“This is a tremendous announcement for ‘the Port’, shipbuilding on the lower Clyde and for Inverclyde. Once again the SNP Government are living up to the promises and helping to deliver for Inverclyde.

 “These two vessels being built in the town will safeguard employment but also provide new opportunities for young people. The creation of apprenticeships is the icing on the cake for me and I’m sure that whoever obtains these positions will be grateful of the chance.

 “Mixing the traditional Clydebuilt skills as well as newer green technologies shows that Port Glasgow can once again be at the vanguard of the shipbuilding industry. These world first vessels will prove to the world that commercial shipbuilding on the Clyde is not over but can be the start of something bigger.

Making the announcement Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure Alex Neil remarked

"I'm delighted to announce Ferguson Shipbuilders as the preferred bidder to build  the world's first of its kind in hybrid ferries in a contract worth more than 20 million pounds. The deal will not only secure around 75 existing jobs in the Port Glasgow and Inverclyde area, but create around 100 more. In addition, we expect Ferguson Shipbuilders to create around 20 new apprenticeships directly as a result of this contract.

"This award is a perfect illustration of how we are making good on our commitment to create the vital jobs needed to boost local economies and crucially, to help stimulate growth across Scotland.

"The two new ferries will come into operation in 2013 and are the world's first seagoing passenger and vehicle roll-on roll-off ferries to incorporate a low-carbon hybrid system of diesel electric and battery power. The technology will be cleaner, quieter and cheaper to operate and maintain than ever before. It will help Scotland to meet our ambitious climate change targets, and demonstrates the vast economic potential of developing green technology and moving to a low carbon economy.