Pushing the boat out for Rosyth dockyard

What feats of engineering we have witnessed recently on the Firth of Forth. Shortly before the new Queensferry Crossing was completed and opened, we saw HMS Queen Elizabeth sail from the Rosyth dockyards.

The second of her generation was officially named as HMS Prince of Wales amid the requisite pomp and ceremony at the same site.

It will be fitted out internally before making to sea for trials in 2019.

Such multi-billion-pound projects are a credit to the skilled workforce from Fife and beyond.

About 10,000 people and 800 different companies have been involved in the shipbuilding, with construction work taking place at six separate sites and latterly at Rosyth.

The industry in Scotland may not be what it once was but such endeavours show there is still capability for a vibrant and lasting presence on Scotland waterways.

With the aircraft carrier projects coming to an end, work on new frigates was expected to be brought to Scotland.

Although the Clyde would have seen most benefit, a knock-on to Rosyth was expected.

The details of that plan now seem to be in doubt, with the unions seeking clarification from the Ministry of Defence.

It is vital clarity is quickly achieved and a willing and talented workforce is able to speedily move on to further projects, for which they are ideally suited.