Scotland's leading manufacturer for the offshore energy industry has said it intends go into administration.

Burntisland Fabrications - also known as BiFab - has a workforce of nearly 1400 based in Fife and the Western Isles.

The firm reportedly faces serious financial problems and unions intend to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the situation.

Managing director Martin Adam said: "We are very disappointed that we have found ourselves in the current position, which has arisen as a result of a challenging situation in respect of our ongoing contracts which have been providing much needed employment locally in Scotland."

BiFab is a major fabricator of foundation structures for the oil and gas and offshore wind sector.

It is is currently working on two significant orders for the Beatrice Wind Farm, which is under construction in the outer Moray Firth.

Delays in payments for the delivery of foundation sub-structures for the wind farm are believed to have contributed to BiFab's cash-flow problems.

Speaking on Monday, energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said he believed rising costs in the manufacturing process had also contributed.

He told the BBC the Scottish Government would "leave no stone unturned" in attempts to find a positive outcome.

He said: "We're clearly very much aware that this is a distressing time for the workforce and I want to give them reassurance that we're working extremely hard with the management of the company and key stakeholders to make sure that we deliver a positive outcome here.

"We know that the company has a great track record working in oil and gas, and has been moving into renewable energy projects recently, and they have an excellent workforce.

"But they have encountered difficulties in the current contract they have."

Its directors say they have been seeking to secure an "immediate financial solution" with its stakeholders.

BiFab employs 251 permanent staff - including 160 at the Arnish yard on Lewis - and 1132 contracted workers.