INVERCLYDE'S MP has welcomed an £80 million investment pledge in the Glasgow City Region deal - but says the area 'must be at the top table' for final decisions on the regeneration scheme.

Glasgow City Region, which includes Inverclyde, is one of two Scottish locations - along with the North East - selected to become an 'investment zone' and share £160m of government funding.

The areas were chosen following an agreement between the UK Government and Scottish Government, with innovation and fair work set to be at the heart of the zones and an aim to boost the economy, stimulate business growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

Responding to today's funding announcement, Ronnie Cowan MP said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Inverclyde but we need to be at the top table when the City Region deal is thrashed out.

"We have many brownfield sites from Port Glasgow Industrial Estate, and Inchgreen dry dock, to the Inverkip Power Station site.

"We need projects to come forward that will fit the criteria, and then we need to mount a combined effort to promote and sell Inverclyde as the prime location.

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"We must grasp this opportunity to maximise our potential.

"With its key location, Inverclyde can play a full role in the detailed proposals which will now go forward.

"Inverclyde needs to be at the centre of education, research, net zero, digital, and life sciences. These are the sectors of the future.

"Now we must get to work in delivering this opportunity."

Glasgow City Region and the North East will each be supported by up to £80m in targeted investment, tax reliefs and other incentives over five years.

The zones will support innovation in sectors such as net zero, digital and life sciences.

Inverclyde Council leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said the move 'provides an opportunity for the region to build on existing work already being done', including City Deal projects such as the £19.2m Greenock Ocean Terminal development.

Cllr McCabe said: “On the face of it this announcement is good news for Inverclyde and the wider City Region, coming after the disappointment of losing out on the Green Freeport bid.

"The City Region will now work up detailed proposals based on the government guidance.

“This new investment should allow us to build on the excellent work that has been done thus far to create opportunities for all City Region members and communities.

“With a focus on innovation, education, research and training linked to sectors such as net zero, digital, and life sciences, we stand ready to explore potential opportunities for Inverclyde.”