The businessman who stepped in to save the Ferguson shipyard says he expects to have the keys to the yard within the coming days

The businessman who stepped in to save the Ferguson shipyard says he expects to have the keys to the yard within the coming days

Jim McColl is due to meet with unions and former management to discuss plans for the future of the yard at Port Glasgow, Inverclyde.

The business, which dates back to 1902, went into administration last month with the loss of 70 jobs after experiencing "significant cash-flow pressure".

It is the last commercial shipbuilder on the River Clyde.

Mr McColl, owner of Clyde Blowers Capital, said the yard will be back in ­business by the end of the year, with plans to boost the workforce to about 100 by February or March next year, followed by further expansion.

Mr McColl has even talked about starting the recruitment process early next week.

He added: "You wouldn't believe the inquiries we've had for jobs since my name was first mentioned here.

"There is an abundance of work out there which we believe Ferguson - with the necessary upgrade of facilities - can undertake.

"Already we've had inquiries about orders. We have money allocated to go ahead with the immediate improvements that will secure that future," he went on to say.