The Caley rail works in Springburn could be saved by a rail industry hub model the Transport Secretary has said.

Michael Matheson said it was the best chance of securing the site for the future but that it needed Gemini Rail to keep it open for longer to allow plans to be developed.

The rail firm is due to pull out of the St Rollox site in July when work runs out and a 45 day consultation period with the workers ends on March 4.

Mr Matheson said neither ScotRail nor Network Rail have a need for the site that could allow either to take it over just now.

However, he said that Network Rail has expressed an interest that it could be involved in the future under a multi-agency hub model.

Mr Matheson said: “A hub idea could include the public and private sector

“We are not going to give up on the site we will do all we can.”

Mr Matheson said But that will take time. That’s why we are applying pressure on the owners Gemini.”

Bob Doris, Maryhill and Springburn SNP MSP, led the debate on the future of the historic site.

He said: “The anger and disillusionment of the workers is justified.

A railway hub with several companies might emerge in the future but for the workers it is their jobs now that matters.

“No matter what happens with Gemini we must ensure railway work continues at St Rollox.”

Labour MSP James Kelly said that Gemini has bid for work worth £8m form ScotRail for 33 trains that could secure work for 3 years.

But he said it is understood the work, if the bid is successful, would be carried out at Gemini’s depot in Wolverton in England.

He called for the procurement system to be used to ensure the work is carried out in Springburn.

Michael Matheson however said the trains are owned by a separate company, Porterbrook, who lease the trains to ScotRail and it is they who decide who get the contract and on what terms.

Nick Fitzwater, Managing Director of Gemini Rail, said: “Gemini launched into a programme of proactively engaging with key stakeholders over alternative ideas for the site in December and this is ongoing.

“At each turn, we have offered our expertise and business insight to give a full and frank update on the market conditions which has led to the company making its proposal.”