MORE WORK IN PIPELINE FOR SCOTS YARDS

And this could include work on a new generation of frigates.

Jim Murphy said the “terms of business agreement” between the Ministry of Defence and warship builder BVT would offer “real assurance” for future jobs.

He was speaking after a visit to BVT’s Scotstoun yard, in Glasgow, after a leaked memo suggested that two of the firm’s three yards could close after a contract for two giant aircraft carriers is completed in 2014.

The author of the memo, BVT surface fleet chief executive Alan Johnston, who accompanied Mr Murphy on the visit, said: “What we are looking at in these stolen documents are planning scenarios.

“We are looking at the downside but our aim is to drive for the upside and we see a very solid future on the Clyde.”

Mr Murphy insisted: “There is seven years of work here, and we are looking over the next few weeks to sign an agreement that would guarantee some work for the next 15 years.

“Our message is that the Clyde has a remarkable history in shipbuilding, but it also has a big future.”