Findlay: Independence would ‘put Scottish shipyards at risk’

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay told the UK Defence Journal that independence would have serious consequences for Scotland’s shipbuilding industry.

Speaking during a visit to Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard, Findlay said he was there “to see the incredible work that Babcock do.” He described the yard as a vital part of the national economy. “This place supports almost 10,000 skilled jobs. It contributes around half a billion pounds to the UK economy,” he said. “In today’s dangerous and increasingly volatile world, companies like Babcock should be supported by every single politician in the country.”

Today at Rosyth, @geoallison spoke to Scottish Conservative leader @RussellFindlay1, who accused the SNP of neglecting Scotland’s defence industry and failing the shipbuilding workforce. He also warned that independence would put naval contracts, and Scottish jobs, at risk. pic.twitter.com/macTHT0zKA

— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) October 31, 2025

Asked about independence and the future of defence contracts, Findlay said, “What we need to do is absolutely show people the benefit of places like Babcock to the economy, the strength of the Union. This is a symbol of how beneficial Scotland’s place in the Union is both in terms of economy and national safety.”

He added that the Scottish Government’s approach to defence had been marked by “petty posturing” and “hostility towards the defence industry.” In his view, such attitudes threatened Scotland’s industrial future. “If the SNP ever got their way in breaking up this great country, there would be serious ramifications for Babcock and other yards of this nature,” he said.

Findlay also contrasted Rosyth’s success with the problems facing Ferguson Marine, the state-owned shipyard responsible for the long-delayed CalMac ferries. “What has happened with the ferries and Marine yard is not just a farce. Some people call it a ferries fiasco. It’s mired in corruption,” he said. “We are still a shipbuilding powerhouse. We can produce the finest warships for the Royal Navy and for our allies around the world. So why on earth, under the SNP government, can we not produce a few basic car ferries? It’s a national scandal.”

He concluded by calling for greater investment in skills and apprenticeships to sustain the workforce that underpins Scotland’s maritime industry. “We need to invest in the college sector and in apprenticeships,” he said. “Employers like this are finding it increasingly difficult to find the skilled workers that are needed today, but also for tomorrow.”