Scottish National Party ministers, The Herald writes, have extended the deadline for finding a buyer for the last civilian shipyard on the Clyde.
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay told MSPs the marketing of Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow could take 50 per cent longer than anticipated.
The business, which employs 300 workers, went into administration last month after a £97m contract for two CalMac ferries ran two years late schedule and £100m over budget.
When Mr Mackay took the yard under public control on August 16, he said ministers would nationalise it unless there was a viable commercial offer within four weeks.
However in an update at Holyrood, he marketing it would now last another two to four weeks. He said the priority for ministers was safeguarding jobs and finishing the boats.
He said: “The Scottish Government will at all times remain open to discussions with any parties interested in securing a viable commercial future for the yard. But we will also explore the option of keeping the yard in public ownership, and how this might protect sustainable shipbuilding on the lower Clyde.”
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