SNP MSP for Govan and Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will attend the steel cutting at the BVT shipyard on the Clyde today as work gets underway on two new aircraft carriers.

Speaking ahead of her visit to the Govan yard where she will join the Princess Royal for the steel cutting Ms Sturgeon said: "Today is a hugely significant day for BVT and for all those workers on the Clyde whose efforts won this work for the yards.

“Scotland’s shipyards are the finest in Europe and the beginning of this contract is a testament to the skills and abilities of all those working in Govan, Scotstoun and Rosyth.

“After the uncertainty of last week and the concern over future redundancies today is a chance for BVT to get back to the business of building ships and to demonstrate the expertise that will secure future orders at home and from around the world.”