FURTHER to recent debate regarding delay in orders for warships on the Clyde (“Indefinite delay for Clyde shipbuilding frigates is branded ‘disgraceful betrayal’”, The Herald, July 21), I would like to point out that we do not build warships on the Clyde. We build the hulls of warships.

We do not make engines, steering gear, navigation equipment, propellers, armaments, electronics and control systems. We used to have companies like Hastie's, Bulls Metal & Marine, Barr & Stroud, Kelvin Hughes and more.

A ship is the sum of its parts. Not just the hull. Sad but true.

John Ewing,

42 Fairfield Park, Ayr.