GREENOCK is to launch a formal bid to become Scotland's eighth city.

Councillors unanimously agreed to go for city status at a meeting held this afternoon.

The move comes despite a survey showing that local residents were not in favour of the application being made, in a competition which has been arranged as part of the Queen's Platinum jubilee celebrations.

Inverclyde Council ran an online survey to gauge public opinion and it found that 61 per cent of people were not in favour.

Almost two thirds said they didn't believe that city status would help boost Greenock's population.

Those surveyed were split down the middle about the benefits of the town having a seat at the Scottish Cities Alliance, which includes the country's seven existing cities and the Scottish Government.

Dunfermline, Dumfries, Irvine, Oban, Elgin and Livingston have all been linked with bids and the deadline for applications is next month.

Perth achieved city status in 2012 for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Perth & Kinross Council say it has 'opened many doors'.