Economy Secretary Keith Brown confirmed today that 57 of the 63 staff employed by Carillion had transferred to the contractors.

The project, which is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Scotland with a price tag of £745m, has already cost Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try dearly.

In the wake of Carillion’s collapse the remaining joint venture contractors estimated meeting its failed partner’s commitments on the project would cost them up to £80m.

Before its liquidation, the Carillion board believed it could claim around £40m on the project.

Galliford Try earlier this week revealed it planned to raise £150m in a rights issue to help meet its own cash outflow on the project of over £150m.

Visiting the site today, Brown said: There is clearly much still to do, and weather will play a part in the final opening date, but it feels like the beginning of the home run towards completion.

The last official statement on the project suggested it could be open by April, but it contractor say the scheme will not be completed until the end of the summer.

“It was important to visit the project today and give site representatives some assurances about the next few months, as it has been a worrying time.

“It is just as important for my officials and Aberdeen Roads Limited to take the time to calculate the implications of this situation and consider what action should be taken to mitigate any knock-on consequences.”

Brown said that more details of the various milestones and key dates will be revealed in the weeks ahead.