WORK began yesterday on the 33-foot sculpture paying homage to Inverclyde's shipbuilding past - almost 10 years after the controversial £600k project began.

The imposing ‘Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow’ stainless steel figures, designed and built by renowned artist John McKenna, have been delivered to Coronation Park, with assembly under way.

Foundations were laid late last year and are now ready to accommodate the giant 14-tonne figures.

The project has been a 'labour of love' for sculptor John, who has spent the last eight years working to bring his creation to life.

John, whose son has joined him from Ireland to help oversee the project, was at Coronation Park yesterday afternoon as the construction phase begins.

He said the Tele: "The amount of work has been vast.

"There was a lot of talk with the council and structural engineers and we were held back slightly when we changed the site.

"The people of Port Glasgow voted for this idea, which makes it all the more special to me.

"These two sculptures signify the history of the town, partly because local people identify with the history behind them and because the area has such a rich shipbuilding history."

Assembly of the figures is expected to take around two to three weeks, weather permitting.

Work will follow to install lighting, signage and improve the surrounding footpaths.

During the assembly phase, there will be parking restrictions in the area, including along the park’s access road similar to the measures which were put in place late last year to accommodate the laying of foundations.

Councillor Michael McCormick said: “We’re at last at the crucial final stage of this project and realising John's vision to honour our rich shipbuilding past and the hard-working people who worked in our yards making Inverclyde and the River Clyde renowned the world over.

“We’re actively promoting the area and encouraging people to visit Inverclyde and discover what it has to offer and I’m sure these sculptures will be Inverclyde’s very own Kelpies attracting people from near and far.”

The sculpture was chosen following a public vote and council bosses believe it will serve as a modern-day tourist attraction.

But the project has not been without controversy, with lengthy delays and increasing costs attracting criticism.

Cllr McCormick added: “I know there has been a lot said about this, but I’m really looking forward to seeing the figures in Port Glasgow and the assembly of what will be an iconic landmark for the town and the whole of Inverclyde."