Methil makes the case for Programme Euston

As one of the most significant defence contracts in the pipeline edges closer to procurement, Navantia UK’s yard in Methil, Fife is making its case to be part of it.

Programme Euston is the Royal Navy’s plan to build two floating dry docks to support submarine maintenance at Faslane, aiming to deliver a resilient out of water engineering capability at HM Naval Base Clyde by the early 2030s, with a Programme Business Case due in mid-2026 and procurement decisions to follow. The need is expected to grow as Astute-class boats remain in service, Vanguard submarines continue deterrent patrols, and Dreadnought-class vessels begin to enter the fleet.

GMB Scotland has already written to Defence Secretary John Healey making the case for Methil, arguing the yard has the potential to be a pillar of UK engineering capability and a perfect example of how defence contracts could be built on secure domestic supply chains.

The yard itself has undergone a significant transformation in a short space of time, growing from 180 workers when operations began in January 2025 to 260 today, with 54 apprentices in training and a further 100 jobs in the pipeline. For Richard Baker, the Labour MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, the scale of that change is personal. “It’s amazing to think it’s just two years since Labour ministers working with Navantia had to save this yard,” he said, “and what’s happened here since then is transformational.”

Those who run it say that record speaks for itself, with Navantia UK CEO Donato Martinez telling UK Defence Journal the yard had proven what it could do. “We are developing a huge capability here in Methil and we deliver. When we set an objective and when we have clarity on the outcomes, this yard delivers on its commitments. We will be honoured if the UK MoD puts its confidence and trust in Navantia UK to deliver the Houston project.”

Baker, who was speaking at the christening of Seahorse, a barge built at Methil to support the Fleet Solid Support Ship programme, was emphatic that the moment carried significance well beyond the yard itself. “Today you’re making Methil proud and you’re making this community proud,” he told the assembled workforce, “and this is a very proud moment for this yard, which is such a vital part of our history and for our future as well.”

He backed the case for Programme Euston strongly and was direct about what he is doing to pursue it in Westminster. “That’s what I’m working for every day in Parliament, to make sure we get Programme Euston coming here,” he said, “because the logical thing, the sensible thing, is to use the fantastic facilities we have here.”

Pointing to the broader context of rising defence spending as an opportunity that should not be missed, Baker added: “When we have UK Government investing more than ever in defence contracts, we have to bring this work to this yard, and we’re talking about not just employment but also the skills of the future here at Methil.”

The apprenticeship programme was a particular focus, with Baker singling out Ross, one of more than 50 apprentices currently training at the yard, during his remarks to the workforce. “From looking at a very uncertain time ahead two years ago, now we’re looking for such a bright future for this yard because of what you have done,” he said, “and thanks to Ross and all the apprentices here for showing us what this programme means for Methil’s future.”

The union argues that a direct award would help create and secure jobs and apprenticeships, sustain critical skills, and keep economic value within the UK supply chain while securing swifter delivery, and with a Programme Business Case due in mid-2026 and political pressure growing to keep work in UK yards, the window is opening. At Methil, they intend to be ready when it does.