Harland & Wolff, the historic shipbuilder based in Belfast, has entered administration for the second time in five years, raising concerns about the future of its operations and nearly 400 jobs in Scotland. The company's financial struggles were exacerbated by a lack of government support, notably a £200 million loan guarantee request that was denied by the Labour government. Unions have warned against the potential 'cherry-picking' of the shipyards by private investors, stressing the need for government oversight to preserve jobs and capabilities essential for the UK's shipbuilding and renewable sectors. Immediate redundancies of 50-60 workers are anticipated, although the four operational yards will continue trading during this process. The interim executive chairman highlighted the challenges faced due to historic losses and the failure to secure long-term financing, while emphasizing the importance of a sustainable future for the company's sites. Calls for urgent government action to secure the future of the Methil yard and its skilled workforce have intensified amidst these developments.