FERGUSON Marine is now in prime position to rebuild the ageing CalMac ferry fleet according to Inverclyde's MSP.

Stuart McMillan is hopeful that the Port Glasgow shipyard will land more public contracts now that the business is set to be nationalised by the Scottish Government.

Finance and economy secretary Derek Mackay says the completion of the existing CalMac vessels - the partially-built MV Glen Sannox and unnamed Hull 802 - remains the key objective.

But Inverclyde's MSP believes the imminent nationalisation of Ferguson's 'absolutely' stands it in good stead for future work to rebuild the stretched fleet of the Gourock-based ferry firm.

He said: "When you consider the situation the yard has been in to the situation we now have, it's future is now secure.

"The fact the yard is secure and has a future means it can then have that opportunity to build future CalMac vessels as well as others that are required."

Over 40 new staff have been taken on at Ferguson's to join the existing 300-plus workforce.

Seventeen new recruits have arrived, with 10 vacancies still to fill, and 14 apprentices are being kept on full-time.

Mr McMillan said: "They're very pleased, upbeat and delighted that they know this yard is going to be secure and here for many more years to come.

"I'm delighted with the announcement about more skilled workers. "It's important for this yard but it's also hugely important for our community."

Ferguson's went into administration in August with the government taking control until a search for a buyer took place.

Mr Mackay vowed to nationalise the yard if there was no suitable private operator found.

Despite rival bids from three commercial parties, it was the government's offer that was accepted by administrators Deloitte.

Mr McMillan says he is in favour of nationalisation over privatisation.

He said: "This is the only way that this yard was going to survive.

"I'm fully supportive of the yard coming under public control so it can stabilise then build and progress so it has a future.

"I'm very content with that."

Administrators are now in discussions with ministers to finalise the deal, which is expected to be concluded within the next few weeks.