Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser called on Nicola Sturgeon to join him in welcoming the work of Scottish engineers in finalising construction of the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier for sea trials this week.
During First Minister’s questions Murdo called on the SNP leader to pay tribute to “the workforce at Rosyth for the completion of this magnificent piece of Scottish engineering and wish them well as they go on to complete the sister ship of the Queen Elizabeth, the Prince of Wales”.
In response the First Minister stated that she was happy to join Murdo in congratulating the work of shipbuilders at Rosyth.
The Queen Elizabeth will become the Royal Navy’s largest ever vessel when it enters service in 2020 and will later be joined by the Prince of Wales carrier as Britain’s fleet expands with the help of Fife shipbuilding.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“I was pleased to hear the First Minister join with me in congratulating the incredible work of the engineers, welders and fitters who have helped build the Royal Navy’s biggest ever warship which launched this week for sea trials.
“The Queen Elizabeth is living proof of why the Fife shipbuilding industry is world class, especially when it comes to producing cutting edge 21st century technology.
“The contract to deliver both carriers is also further evidence of Scotland’s important place within the Union and as the heartbeat of Royal Navy ship building. I was glad that the First Minister and her backbenchers recognised this today.
“Ensuring that Fife shipbuilding continues to flourish is important and I would like to congratulate all those who have worked on this project over the past eight years.”