New warship to be named HMS Edinburgh
It's to highlight 'the important role Scotland plays in shipbuilding'
Britain's latest warship will be named HMS Edinburgh, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced.
He revealed the name of the new Type 26 frigate, which will be built on the Clyde, during a visit to the Scottish capital in the run-up to St Andrew's Day.
Mr Williamson said it highlighted the "important role Scotland plays in shipbuilding and the national security of our country''.
The submarine-hunting warship will be the seventh naval vessel to be carry the name HMS Edinburgh - the most recent of which was a Type 42 destroyer, which was deployed to the Atlantic, Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf before being decommissioned in 2013.
Mr Williamson said: "The new HMS Edinburgh is a symbol of the United Kingdom's future global ambition but also the important role Scotland plays in shipbuilding and the national security of our country.
"Her cutting-edge capabilities will ensure that the UK remains a world-leader at sea, protecting our national interests and promoting global peace.''
He added: "Built on more than 300 years of proud naval history, HMS Edinburgh will play a crucial role in defending our nation for decades to come.''
Edinburgh Lord Provost Frank Ross welcomed the announcement and said: "The last HMS Edinburgh famously retired from the Royal Navy's fleet in 2013.
"Five years later, we are thrilled a new ship will be named in the city's honour.
"Built on centuries of history, she will be the seventh ship to carry the HMS Edinburgh title.
"It will be a truly Scottish ship - built on the Clyde - and I hope she will visit us in the Port of Leith on her maiden voyage when the time comes. ''
He added: "We've always enjoyed strong ties with the Royal Navy and the many hundreds of personnel who have served aboard the HMS Edinburgh vessels over the years. I'm sure the new ship will reinforce this bond.''
Mr Williamson announced the name of the newest frigate as he visited the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill with councillor Jason Rust, bailie for the lord provost of the city of Edinburgh.
Previous defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon cut the steel on the first of the eight planned Type 26 Frigates during a visit to BAE Systems' Govan shipyard in Glasgow in July 2017.