THE first minister is being urged to give assurances over the future of troubled Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow.

Council and Labour group leader Stephen McCabe and SNP counterpart Chris McEleny have joined forces in calling for an urgent meeting with Nicola Sturgeon to discuss the Scottish Government's plans for the yard and amid speculation it could be nationalised in a bid to end the long-running dispute over the unfinished £97m contract for two new CalMac ferries.

The councillors, along with senior officials from the GMB trade union, held emergency talks with the Ferguson's hierarchy and representatives from parent company Clyde Blowers yesterday and have now written to the FM seeking assurances about the future of the shipyard.

Fears have been raised over the very existence of Ferguson's, which the government helped rescue in 2014 along with businessman Jim McColl, and the livelihoods of the 350-strong workforce.

It is understood that if ministers do not intervene then the company could be plunged into administration for the second time in five years.

Mr McEleny said: "All parties want to ensure the long-term future of the yard and support its continued growth in size and the number of new jobs it can create. "As the last commercial shipyard in Scotland it is a vital asset to the Scottish economy and we look forward to the First Minister taking up our invite to set out the positive vision for the future of the yard that will best support jobs and future growth."

It emerged last week that Scottish ministers are weighing up a takeover of the yard to bring an end to the long-running stand-off between Ferguson Marine and government-owned Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited - which placed the ferry order - over who should pay the final bill, which is now expected to be around double the original £97m.

The vessels, MV Glen Sannox and Hull 802, as it is currently known, are 16 and 22 months late.

Cllr McCabe said: "Ferguson's is a major employer in the local community and we fought hard to save it.

"The council has also supported Ferguson Marine in developing the site by giving a section of Coronation Park for car parking and with local apprenticeships. "The yard is a key local employer and if there's any fears over the future of the yard then that gives us grave concerns.

"We want to make sure everything is done to protect jobs and ensure the yard has a vibrant future."

Union officials have also echoed the calls for clarity over the future of the yard.

Gary Cook, GMB Scotland organiser and chair of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions, said: "We need an end to this damaging impasse over the ferry contract. "Every day this continues without resolution is a further waste of time and money."

CMAL chiefs insist they are solely focused on completion of the two ferries.

A spokesperson said: "Our main priority is the delivery of the two dual-fuel vessels. "We are keen that the longer-term future of the shipyard and its workforce is secure."