Jim McColl has failed to convince the Scottish Government to take a stake in the last commercial shipyard on the Clyde.

The near-billionaire, The Herald writes, was understood to be ready to take a multi-million-pound “hit” on his investment at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow.

And this week he convinced Labour and SNP local to back his scheme in the hope of securing 350 jobs after their current contracts to make ferries ran in to cost over-runs and contractual disputes.

Ministers consider nationalising shipyard owned by billionaire adviser to Nicola Sturgeon (click here for more). 

The Herald understands Mr McColl and his Clyde Blowers Capital or CBC felt they had legal advice that assuaged concerns by civil servants over an equity partnership.

However, a Scottish Government spokesman said: “We share the determination to ensure a strong, long term future for Fergusons.

For more click here including a related article on the yard which predicts a loss of £44m on a pair of newbuild dual-fuel ferries for CalMac.