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Shipbuilding union heroes endorse Scottish independence

A NUMBER of heroes from the 1971 Upper Clyde Shipbuilders’ work-in have endorsed the “Yes” vote despite fears that independence would doom Scotland’s shipyards.

The seven surviving trade unionists pinned their colours to the mast yesterday in an open letter to the Daily Record, saying the “much reduced” prospect of warship contracts was an opportunity to produce cargo carriers and ocean liners instead.

The Unite union which represents shipbuilders has been a vocal critic of the independence campaign, with BAE Systems Scotstoun convenor Duncan Mcphee suggesting they would “lose their only customer” — the Ministry of Defence.

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