The Scottish Government has been accused of 'double standards' over its handling of the imminent closure of The Caley railway works in Springburn.

Efforts to save the historic St Rollox yard in the north east of the city have been ongoing since late last year, with calls from union figures and politicians to investigate the nationalisation of the site.

Government bosses have claimed state aid rules and challenges from other companies prevent a buyout.

READ MORE: Nationalisation an option to save 180 jobs at Glasgow's St Rollox Railway Works

Last week, plans in Holyrood to nationalise an under-threat shipyard on the Clyde were revealed.

Reports suggest a buyout of the Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow is an increasingly likely option to keep the site open and save 350 jobs.

Those supporting workers at the Caley have said it is 'extraordinary' the Springburn workers have not been afforded the same consideration.

READ MORE: Plan to restore rusting engine put forward as proposal to save Caley railworks

Paul Sweeney MP said: "It is clear the government does have scope to nationalise strategic assets.

"It is an extraordinary double standard -they have allowed it to wither and die on the vine.

"This shows a disregard of The Caley as a strategic asset and we are calling for some continuity in the workplace."

The Caley is set to close its doors for the final time on Friday, marking the loss of 180 jobs.

Glasgow Times:

A petition which has more than 2,500 signatures, organised by Unite the Union and Mr Sweeney, will be delivered to the First minister in a last-ditch attempt to save the 160-year-old site.

The Scottish Government have said the possibility of nationalisation is misleading, instead calling for stakeholders to support Scottish Enterprise in finding new work for the site.

READ MORE: St Rollox bosses ignore pleas and confirm decision to close Caley works

A spokesman added: “There is no order book for work and under current rail legislation, which is reserved to the UK Government, we do not have the powers to direct work to Springburn – that decision rests with train leasing companies.

“We’re also doing everything we can to support affected workers through an ‘Employee Assist Programme’.

"A number of staff has already benefitted from this support and taken up employment opportunities at other rail workshops in Scotland.”