Following an agreement reached with administrators to take the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow into public control, the Programme Review Board will work to secure the most effective delivery programme for the two ferries.

Mr Mackay, speaking ahead of the meeting which will take place at the shipyard, said: “We have always been clear that we want to complete the vessels, secure jobs and give the yard a future. On Friday I met with the excellent workforce and stressed the Scottish Government’s commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for the yard.”

He added: “Alongside the newly-appointed turnaround director who will take forward steps to stabilise the business and support the recruitment of an incoming management team, including a Chief Executive Officer, I have formed a Programme Review Board to establish a new delivery programme to ensure the completion of the CMAL ferry contracts at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayer.

“While work continues at the yard, we are working to put in place a management team which will refocus all efforts on completing this vital government contract. We are working closely with staff and the trades unions – as well as suppliers and customers - to achieve the best possible outcome for the yard.”