As yard boss sacked
“They are skilled, committed and have endured years of unfair criticism and ongoing uncertainty about the future of their yard.
“Given the opportunity and the right leadership, this workforce can build a far brighter future for Ferguson Marine.
“We wish the new leadership of the yard well, but they must be given every possible support from the Scottish Government to urgently build and deliver a business plan that will secure contracts, protect skills and sustain jobs.
“This yard is crucial to families and communities around Port Glasgow and deserves to be protected and promoted after being used as a political punchbag for far too long.”
The news of the outgoing Ferguson Marine boss’s termination also came as a surprise to local politicians, including Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe, who spoke highly of the departing chief.
He said: “I am surprised by this move. In any dealings I had with David he seemed to have a good handle on the challenges faced by the yard and a real commitment to securing its long-term future.
“Decisions like these are obviously for the board of Ferguson Marine but as a publicly owned company I’m sure our local and regional MSPs will be seeking assurances from the relevant Scottish Government ministers on the future of the yard, which is a vital part of the Inverclyde economy.”
The decision to dismiss Mr Tydeman has sparked calls from a number of politicians for further transparency about the move.
Scottish Conservative shadow transport minister Graham Simpson MSP has claimed that Mr Tydeman had been scapegoated and called on the Scottish Government to explain his removal.
He added: “The only people not held accountable are those who are most responsible: the SNP government.”
“It beggars belief that not a single ministerial resignation has been offered when the buck stops with them for years of grotesque mismanagement of Scotland’s ferry network.
“While they try to pass the buck with another round of boardroom hiring and firing, our betrayed island communities continue to wait for the lifeline vessels they were promised years ago to finally be delivered.”
“While they try to pass the buck with another round of boardroom hiring and firing, our betrayed island communities continue to wait for the lifeline vessels they were promised years ago to finally be delivered.”