THE task of completing the new fleet of frigates to be built on the Clyde will fall to shipyard workers who have not yet been born, the UK Defence Secretary has said.

Sir Michael Fallon said that the decision to press ahead with the construction of the "most advanced combat ships on the planet" will keep shipbuilding jobs on the Clyde secure for the next two decades.

Steel will be cut for the first of the eight Type 26 global combat ships next summer, with the project expected to last until 2035, meaning that it will be the next generation of engineers and shipwrights who finish the job.

The Defence Secretary announced the news as he visited BAE Systems' shipyard in Govan yesterday, saying that it was "Great news for the Clyde".

Addressing workers inside one of cavernous fabrication sheds where the work will take place, the cabinet member said: "It is good news for Scottish industry, and for Scottish taxpayers.

"This is an important step towards securing billions of pounds of investment in shipbuilding on the Clyde, securing hundreds of high-skilled jobs for at least the next two decades and hundreds more in the supply chain across our country."

Sir Michael added: "Having met the apprentices on my way in this is also good news for Scottish skills. For centuries Govan shipbuilders exported their reputation to the furthest corners of the globe.

"So investing now in the most advanced combat ships on the planet, we will keep you where you belong - at the heart of the UK's warship industry.

"I hope it will also inspire the next generation of shipwrights with this work programme through to 2035."

Fears over the future of the yard were raised earlier this year after the work was delayed, with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon previously accusing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of breaking a promise to workers there ahead of the 2014 independence referendum.

But Sir Michael later said: "When the UK Government says something, it is important that it keeps its word. Scotland is a key part of our defence, and we have to deal with the facts as they are."

Scottish Secretary David Mundell, who toured the Govan yard with the Defence Secretary, said: "There is a lot of talk about uncertainty these days and I understand the impact uncertainty has on people's day to day lives, their families, and planning for the future, that's why it is so positive we can give this confirmation.

"There is no doubt about the UK Government's commitment to the Clyde and this announcement completely shows that that is the case."

Plans to build the new frigates were set out in the Government's 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, although the project has been scaled back from earlier proposals to construct 13 ships.

BAE Systems' managing director Nigel Whitehead said the work will be "a significant programme for the next two decades, manufacturing outstanding ships"

The announcement was welcomed by Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale and Brendan O'Hara MP, the SNP's Defence spokesperson, although both continued to criticise the delay in announcing the project.

Unions were also critical of the uncertainty which had dogged the fleet-building programme, with Gary Cook, GMB Scotland Organiser, saying that the UK Government had to be "dragged" to make the announcement.

However, he called the decision "massively welcome news", adding: "This confirms a generation of skilled employment that will support local communities and generate hundreds of millions for the Scottish economy until the 2030s."

Unite regional coordinating officer Kenny Jordan said: “We have a workforce at Govan and Scotstoun with world-class skills who are eager to get on with the job – and eager to see more work coming in the future.

“This announcement secures the future of shipbuilding on the upper Clyde, supports skilled jobs in manufacturing and will provide opportunities for apprentices and trainees, making sure that we safeguard skills for the next generation.”