iconic Clyde paddle steamer the Waverley could be thrown a lifeline with Government officials set to hold crunch talks on board the vessel to discuss its long-term future.

It follows months of campaigning to secure funding for of the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, which has faced financial difficulties.

Last month it was revealed that it would miss out on celebrations to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in London this June as it could not afford to miss out on the lucrative summer season in home waters.

But local MSPs Drew Smith and Neil Bibby have now met with Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing, to put the case for the Waverley and to seek Government help.

The MSPs, along with representatives of Waverley Steam Navigation Company which runs the ship, discussed what support Holyrood can give Waverley, and Mr Ewing confirmed that he is instructing tourism agency VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise to bring forward a plan which could help to secure the vessel's long-term future.

Mr Smith said: "The meeting was a significant point in the campaign to save the Waverley - now we need a package of support which assists with promotion and makes sure the ship carries on sailing.

"The Government have recognised that as the last ocean- going paddle steamer in the world, Waverley is a Scottish icon and potentially a huge asset to Scottish tourism."

His colleague Neil Bibby added: "Great progress has been made in the fight to save the Waverley.

"The Waverley is a fantastic ambassador for Scotland and we want to secure the ship's long-term future.

"We have convinced Scotland's Tourism Minister of the ship's benefits - and that the Scottish Government can do more to promote this West of Scotland institution."

Holyrood officials plan to hold a summit aboard Waverley to discuss how it can be involved in Event Scotland and VisitScotland marketing and planning and major campaigns such as Homecoming 2014.

The Minister also agreed that Scottish Enterprise should open an account for the WNSC charity.

Nick James, of the WSNC, said: "We have argued that the Waverley could make an important contribution to selling Scotland and we are delighted that the Tourism Minister has been persuaded of our case."