THE Scottish Government has

been urged to think twice about nationalising the last commercial shipyard on the lower Clyde.

Inverclyde councillor Chris McEleny warned the move could put Ferguson Marine back into decline following an initial closure in 2014.

The Scottish Government is reported to be considering buying the shipyard after a row over the building of two west coast ferries for CalMac, in which the asking price rose to nearly double the original asking price.

Jim McColl, who rescued the yard from collapse five years ago, stands to lose tens of millions of pounds.

But McEleny has called on ministers to work with McColl to ensure the long-term survival and growth of the site.

“The choice is clear, manage the yard into decline and consign it to history, or do a sensible deal that will enable expansion towards a very bright future,” McEleny said.

“In 2014, the last commercial shipyard on the lower Clyde faced extinction. Thanks to Jim McColl, with the support of Alex Salmond, we managed to save it.”

McEleny warned that the shipyard could end up like Prestwick Airport – which the Scottish Government put up for sale in June after it amassed around £50 million in debt. He also said site’s ability to bid for work would be reduced if it is nationalised.

“A great workforce, who’ve been backed by some top shop stewards, face the prospect of having to watch their yard close again,” McEleny added.

“The alternative, though, can see the yard grow to become the economic powerhouse of the Lower Clyde.

“If the Scottish Government agree to work with Jim McColl to get past this impasse, we can then get on with the job of building a CalMac fleet for the future.

“If Ferguson’s was awarded the contracts to build an entire new fleet of CalMac vessels, that would provide 20 years of security on the Lower Clyde.”

“With that foundation Ferguson Marine could expand at a phenomenal rate by bidding for more work from across the world.”