UNION leaders have hailed a deal that will see more than 700 dockyard workers in Rosyth each receive a guaranteed pay rise of £2,000.

On top of the inflation-busting salary increase, which equates to a jump of between 7.2 and 9.2 per cent, they will also get a £1,000 lump sum.

The Babcock yard is involved in the delivery of the new £6.2 billion aircraft carriers, the UK's largest ever warships, with HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales assembled in Rosyth.

Unite regional officer Bob Macgregor said: “The union representatives at Rosyth Dockyard have negotiated an excellent pay deal, meaning a guaranteed pay increase of £2,000 plus a £1,000 lump sum for hundreds of workers.

“The deal was struck following intense but constructive negotiations with management.

"It’s a win-win deal putting extra money in the workers’ pockets which will help them and their families keep up with rising prices.

"There is also an agreement for the company, unions and employees to work together to introduce agreed changes that ensure Rosyth is fit for the future."

The pay deal will be good news for the workers but it's been a turbulent time for the yard with 400 jobs to go at Rosyth as the carriers project draws to a close.

MP Douglas Chapman has invited Prime Minister Theresa May to West Fife to meet the workforce amid concerns about the future of shipbuilding in the town.

He said earlier this month: "I really do think she needs to see first-hand the true skills of our workforce here in West Fife and we also want to take the opportunity of making sure that when other contracts are up for offer, the Westminster government in London knows exactly what our Scottish workforce can achieve within time and within budget."