The boatyard facility will be developed in stages, starting early 2005, the first of which will see security fencing, lighting and utilities, together with a boat hoist, slipway and two 2,000 sq ft workshops. The completed scheme will include more workshops, several 1,000 sq m storage sheds, and pontoon berths.

Meanwhile, Clyde River Boatyard and the three other marine businesses on the opposite riverbank at Renfrew, Clydeport, who were tenants until the land was sold for housing to Park Lane, have been given an eviction date of end July 2005.

They, however, are fighting to stay where they are, and have produced an imaginative alternative plan to develop a centre of excellence in marine training and technology that could be integrated with a modified housing scheme.

Clydeport is hoping its erstwhile tenants across the river will migrate to the new Rothesay Dock boatyard, but as yet only Rex Lyons' Offshore Workboats has taken the plunge.

Details from Clydeport Properties Ltd on 0141 221 8733 or property@clydeport.co.uk