TUESDAY (November 21) was a proud day for Inverclyde as the new car ferry Glen Sannox was launched from Fergusons Yard in Port Glasgow.

Yet back in August 2014 the yard was in receivership, the future bleak. Our Scottish Government, and the then First Minister, Alex Salmond, promised that no effort would be spared to secure jobs, skills and a future. A confident new owner came forward, and considerable investment has seen the yard prosper.

Sixty years ago, in 1957, the previous Glen Sannox entered service, becoming a much-loved vessel. Maybe, 60 years from now, a new Glen Sannox will be needed, and Inverclyde shipbuilders will be ready with the skills and experience to build her.

Mike Thurlow,

The Cliff, Cliff Terrace Road, Wemyss Bay.