ALMOST £5 million of British government cash is to be funnelled into Scottish firms to slash shipping emissions.

Visiting Clydeport today, Labour Maritime Minister Mike Kane revealed that 25 Scottish businesses would share £4.8m of the £30m UK-wide fund to support the development of green technology and fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, solar and electric.

The funding is part of the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition scheme, which has already distributed £32.6m to support Scottish firms in the industry.

Mr Kane said: “It’s so exciting to see investment in green fuels and technologies spurring on skills, innovation and manufacturing in Scotland.

“We’ve charted a course to net-zero shipping by 2050 and this £30m will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future.

Welcoming the investment, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray added: “Scottish businesses are leading the charge in decarbonising our seas whilst creating jobs and revitalising our coastal communities.

“This funding builds on our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower and I’m proud to see Scotland at the forefront of this vital transition to net-zero shipping.”