A GOVERNMENT minister has hailed the success and vision of a Clydebank offshore safety training facility.

Scottish Government Minister for Transport and Islands Humza Yousaf MSP praised Clyde Training Solution’s state-of-the-art facility, which opened a year ago.

The multi-million pound hub, situated on the River Clyde, is the first of its kind in central and southern Scotland, and has attracted workers in the marine and oil and gas industries from all over the world.

International delegates, as well as those from across the UK, are able to complete mandatory and industry enhancing safety training courses at the facility.

Mr Yousaf, of the SNP, toured the centre and praised the vital role CTS is playing supporting Scotland’s offshore and maritime sectors.

Speaking after the visit, he said: “It’s a pleasure to get to see the world class facilities on offer first hand and to meet the instructors.

“Scotland’s maritime and offshore sectors have an incredibly important role in our national economy, contributing billions of pounds and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.

“The training hub’s location on the banks of the River Clyde, with great connectivity through road, rail and air transport links, acknowledges our rich maritime history and looks to build for the future.

“The CTS team are also part of the Scottish Maritime Cluster and are playing a key role in helping boost economic growth and securing a larger share of the global maritime market.”

The training campus, located close to the former site of the world renowned John Brown Shipyard, houses multiple classrooms, a training pool, helicopter underwater escape training module and full fire training ground complete with stack and helideck.

CTS has hosted more than 6,000 delegates in the first 12 months of operation.

Director Colin McMurray said: “It was superb to have the minister visit and to demonstrate what we do here, as well as discussing how we support the maritime and offshore sectors.

“The location of our centre allows us to appeal not just to the UK market, but also to international delegates, cementing our standing on the world stage as a leader in maritime and offshore training.”