ONE of Inverclyde's most scenic spots has been commended for its water quality.

Lunderston Bay has received a 'good' rating in the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency's bathing water survey for 2021.

It joins 34 other beaches and bays across Scotland rated as 'good' after an assessment by Scotland's environmental regulator.

The Gourock site has been earmarked for developments in recent months.

In April, Inverclyde Council took over the Inverclyde section of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, which includes Lunderston.

A total of £250,000 has been set aside from the Covid recovery fund and will be ploughed into Cornalees and Lunderston Bay.

The area will also benefit from a £200,000 cash injection from the council's playpark fund which will create a new facility on Cloch Road.

Councillor Michael McCormick, convener of the environment and regeneration committee, says the funding, coupled with the 'good' rating, is a positive development for the popular tourist attraction.

Cllr McCormick added: "If people know that an area has a good bathing water quality rating, it gives them confidence.

"The number of people visiting the bay has increased significantly over the last couple of years.

"I think the coronavirus lockdown has made people get out and about and explore their local area more.

"We're seeing a lot of wildlife in these waters too, which could be a good indication that it's a healthy, good quality environment for them."

Out of 85 locations tested by SEPA, 32 received an 'excellent' rating.

The regulator says 99 per cent of Scotland's waters met with the required environmental water quality standards for the 2021 bathing water season.

Cllr McCormick believes that the work carried out by Inverclyde volunteers has helped keep the water healthy.

He's hopeful that investing in the area will bring even more visitors back during the spring and summer.

He said: "We have to praise the work that's being done by volunteers in this area.

"They really look after it and keep it looking its best for residents and for people travelling to the area.

"Hats off to the volunteers - they do a brilliant job.

"Hopefully developing the area will mean that people will enjoy it even more."