Last month I was in Port Glasgow and lucky to visit and tour around MV Glen Sannox, the very day before the Marine and Coastguard Agency announced that it had achieved full regulatory approval including its passenger certification. It was a privilege to witness the sense of achievement and pride within the Ferguson Marine employees working on board whilst I was there.

Much has been said about the complexity of its design and the build difficulties that have resulted in late delivery, but to see it first-hand demonstrates that it’s an impressive piece of engineering and functional capability to be proud of. If that seems like an overly light dismissal of the cost to both public purse and loss of service to island communities of this situation, then that’s not my intention.

There have been major errors by stakeholders through this part of the yard’s history, but “we are where we are”. Let’s learn - and action - the lessons, put the less constructive coal-raking behind us, and focus on creating a viable future for the yard, and its greatest asset -........

© Herald Scotland