Silvers Marine and its boatyard in Rosneath have been bought by GSS (Plant) Ltd, it was confirmed today (Friday).
All Silvers staff have been re-employed by GSS, which will move its head office and associated staff from Rhu Marina to the Silverhills yard on the peninsula.
As well as the Silvers Marine brand, the deal includes the buildings, offices, sheds and storage facilities including the yards, slipways and moorings along with all plant and equipment, and GSS say it will end their nine year search for permanent premises.
Managing director Jamie McGarry said the the Rosneath facilities would be developed, with the aim of employing more people and creating apprenticeships: “We are looking to turn it into a centre of excellence for leisure and commercial boatbuilding, building on the brand that Silvers have got and using the hugely talented people there,” he added.
GSS was founded in 1989 to provide high quality plant and labour to the Royal Navy and the maritime construction industry.
It currently employs over 150 people in its charter fleet, marine civil engineering, facilities management and diving divisions and also has offices in Holland and Australia.
Its multi-role marine support vessels are currently working in the dredging, cable laying and oil and gas sectors in areas including Russia, Australia, Africa and Europe.
Silvers is one of the best-known names in the west of Scotland sailing world; in November 2008 the yard and assets were sold to a new company, Silvers Marine (UK) Ltd, headed by Mark Aikman in a deal which also saw the workforce retained.
Mr Aikman is also a director of ferry firm Clydelink, but that company is unaffected by today’s news.
Will I be affected by the news? What is happening to the outstanding orders?
Can I ask what your connection is Catriona? I work for GSS and may be able to answer your question or direct your enquiry.
Gillian and Catriona: With your permission of course, I’d be happy to share one of your email addresses to the other person so you can discuss this privately if you would prefer.
Thank the good lord; a new broom may sweep a sustainable path through the mire left behind by the departed.
We live in eternal hope!
I believe your hope may be rewarded; I don’t know Jamie McGarry but the rate at which GSS has grown under his management suggests he knows his onions.
The local area will need a lifeline if there is a YES vote!
It will need more than a Lifeline !!
Locals need to shout from the roof tops! No jobs, housing slump and hardship if there is a YES vote