IT is not just the workers who have their jobs back at Ferguson shipbuilders who will be delighted the yard remains open for business.

The plan by businessman Jim McColl is a carefully thought-out vision for the future to retain the skills of the workforce, continue with shipbuilding and diversify into oil and gas and marine engineering to bring in more work.

For too long the shipyards on the Clyde have been reliant on one customer involving public contracts, in Ferguson's case building ferries for Cal-Mac.

The town of Port Glasgow will be relieved the yard has a future and will hope it can spark a revival of the industry and provide more engineering jobs for the area.

Mr McColl has proved himself to be adept at taking on challenging businesses and transforming them into successful and highly profitable enterprises.

Along with the people in the town, we wish Mr McColl, his workforce and everyone involved well in the venture and in his quest to help revive shipbuilding on the Clyde.

Like the man said, the idea of shipbuilding being lost to the Clyde is nuts.