CAMPAIGNERS who have been fighting for years to breathe new life into Greenock's Inchgreen dry dock have given a cautious welcome to news of a potential employment boost.

The Tele reported this week how there are hopes of a 'substantial' influx of highly paid industrial jobs following an £11m investment at Inchgreen - with overtures from major international companies already being made.

Global blue-chip firms from sectors including vessel building, renewables and food processing have expressed strong interest in the newly created Inchgreen Marine Park in Greenock.

Robert Buirds, of the Campaign to Save Inchgreen Dry Dock, says he hopes it comes to fruition this time after a previous high-profile deal to turn the dock into a ship scrapyard failed.

Mr Buirds said:  "The previous Inchgreen jobs bonanza announced in 2021 didn’t materialise, so let’s hope they’ve got it right this time after spending £11m of taxpayers money.

"It’s been two years since the formation of the joint venture between Peel Ports and Inverclyde Council and this is their first big announcement.

"The reputations of Clydeport's Jim McSporran and councillors Stephen McCabe and Chris Curley are now firmly on the line and hopefully the 2021 debacle is not repeated as it’s still fresh in the minds of many.

"We look forward to our community receiving the benefit of these hundreds of well paid skilled jobs following their £11m investment."