Scottish Opera has asked for extra funding

It had been expected to confirm redundancies and cost-cutting measures after a meeting in Glasgow.

But in a statement, the board said no announcement would be made on Wednesday because it had been unable to finalise discussions.

Scottish Opera had asked ministers for extra funding, but was told money would only be available for restructuring.

The statement said the board had discussed a business plan, which it submitted to the Scottish Executive.

"The board members indicated that they would require more time to consider further the details contained within their proposal," it went on,

"Consequently, an announcement is expected in the near future."

Members of the company staged a choral protest outside the board meeting in which they appealed for their jobs to be saved.

'Insufficient' budget

Scottish Opera has long argued that its �7.4m budget is not enough to cover its operation.

Its claims were backed by former English National Opera head Sir Peter Jonas in an independent report four years ago.

He said the company's requirements were nearer �9m a year.

The executive, faced with growing demands from all areas of the arts spectrum, has told the company that the only money available was for restructuring.

The company must scale down and learn to live within its budget, it told Scottish Opera.