A super-rich life on the ocean wave

The Titanic would be smaller than the proposed floating tax haven

Thousands of jobs could be created if a one-mile long ship intended as a floating tax haven for the super-rich is built in Scotland.

Construction work on the vessel could cost £6bn if its backers decide it should take shape at either Hunterston in Ayrshire or Invergordon on the Cromarty Firth.

Shipbuilding yards in Ireland, Germany, Holland and Turkey are also said to be in running for the contract.

A BBC correspondent says the person behind the plan is Florida-based millionaire Norman Nixon, the brother of the late former president Richard Nixon.

The UK government has reacted cautiously. Brian Wilson, Scottish Office Minister for Industry, said: "We are aware of this proposal through Locate in Scotland (Scotland's inward investment-seeking agency) who have received an approach about it.

"However, the information we have is basic and it is up to the developer to come forward with much more detailed proposals."

A permanent life at sea

The reports also claim the massive ship - which would be far bigger than the Titanic - would never dock and roam the seas following the sun.

Norman Nixon, principal engineer of Florida-based Engineering Solutions Incorporated, will be looking at suitable yards before making a decision.

He has reportedly said: "We could build in the Bahamas or Guyana where we are guaranteed 365 days a year good weather, but because of labour prices and other factors the choice is between Southern Ireland and Scotland right now.

"It would be economically difficult to justify coming to Scotland or Eire without the consideration of Government help. But, if the package is right then the ship will be built here.

"I feel comfortable dealing with the UK and Eire governments and we also want to use European steel," he said.

It is claimed the huge ship would be powered by 100 engines and circumnavigate the globe once every two years.

Rich passengers would commute to shore in ferries or private yachts or, alternatively, use the aircraft runways on the top deck.

Up to 50,000 paying guests would be looked after by around 15,000 crew and would have their pick of 20,000 homes on board ranging from £2.8m penthouses to £63,000 one-bedroomed flats.