230th Anniversary of the Ropey

That the Parliament congratulates the Montrose Rope and Sail Company on its 230th anniversary; understands that the family-run business, which is known as the Ropey, was founded in 1789 to serve the fishing industry by manufacturing ropes and hand-sewn sails that could withstand harsh weather at sea; acknowledges that, although it is a traditional business that uses skills passed down through generations, it has continuously innovated, introducing cutting-edge technology to compete with cheaper overseas manufacturing; recognises that it has diversified over the years and now predominantly serves the oil and gas industry, including through the production of PVC offshore kitbags, which have been the industry standard in the North Sea for over 40 years, and tarpaulin covers; understands that it has a low staff turnover; believes that this is testament to its investment in its employees, including by providing on-the-job training and development and offering opportunities to study for SVQs; understands that it is developing a knowledge transfer partnership project with Innovate UK and Robert Gordon University, which it hopes to launch later in 2019; notes that it moved to its purpose-built factory in June 2009 after it outgrew its old workshop; recognises the Ropey as one of oldest and most dynamic independent companies in Scotland, and wishes it continued success.