Commenting on media reports of plans to close one or both of the Clyde shipyards MSP for Govan and Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "These reports will cause deep concern among the workforce and communities on the Clyde.

"I have recently spoken with Alan Johnston,Chief Executive of BVT who had assured me the company was working to secure the long term future of the yards and I will be contacting BVT this morning to demand assurances over
their commitment to the Clyde yards and the long term future of Scotland's ship building expertise."