A GREENOCK record store owner is expecting a Blur business boom as the band’s new album launches today with an iconic local sight on its cover.  

Reverence Music’s James Haggart believes that the Britpop band’s decision to put a photo of Gourock Pool on its ninth studio album's cover will boost sales locally.

He says his shop has already had numerous enquiries about the group’s new album ‘The Ballad of Darren’ which features a striking picture of the well-known local lido on its cover.

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The ten-track album launched this morning and shot to number one on Apple Music’s album charts within hours of becoming available.

Mr Haggart told the Tele that having millions of people enjoy a set of tracks with a local landmark on the cover would help generate interest in the area.

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He said: “Having the pool on the cover has definitely given it a boost.

“I have seen quite a bit of chat locally online and people have mentioned it in the shop as well.

“I think seeing the pool on there surprised everyone.

“We’ve been expecting a bounce from it because of the local connection.“

The photo used on the cover was taken by Martin Parr in 2004, and features a solitary swimmer – Ian Galt – making his way up the pool.

The coverage generated by the picture’s use as the cover artwork has already provided a welcome boost for the pool, with bosses stating last month that it had attracted visitors to the area from far and wide.

Mr Haggart hopes people will want to find out more about the image's backstory, which will lead them to find out more about its Inverclyde connection. 

He said: “The photo is really striking, I love the contrast between the outdoor pool and the dark sky.

“It’s ominous and I think it’s a cool picture, and if anyone takes the time to look into the artwork, they’ll end up coming across Gourock which is great.

“You’d always expect a Blur album to do well on release anyway but that artwork on the cover will bring people in looking for it.

“I’ve already had quite a few pre-orders.

“We’ve been getting messages online from people interested in getting a copy too.  

“I’ve not been allowed to listen to it until the launch.

“Hopefully this boosts the area, it’s definitely good getting the image out there."