DESPITE the recent bad weather there’s lots to celebrate and talk about in Greenock and Inverclyde this summer.

The UCI World Cycling Championships put the West of Scotland on the international sporting stage over the last month and I was proud to see Glasgow and the wider region play host to several events.

Just as inspiring though was the burst of enthusiasm for cycling and getting active that the championships brought to the area – well done to all involved!

Summer also reminds us of our rich maritime heritage here in Inverclyde, so I am proud to see Greenock’s new visitor centre at Ocean Terminal opening to passengers this month.

The new visitor centre will welcome cruise ship passengers from around the world to Greenock with a fantastic new space, kitted out with a restaurant and exhibition space.

I have been very impressed with progress and I look forward to visiting it after summer recess. The centre has already served as a great investment for our local economy in Inverclyde and it will continue to do so as it welcomes more and more visitors to Greenock, supporting local jobs and growth.

There is also an upcoming summit being organised by trade unions about the important work being done at Ferguson Marine, which I sincerely hope will be productive for all parties involved and help further progress the work being done on the two new vessels there.

Whilst we all know the yard has encountered challenges, I also know that the dedicated staff on the ground are striving to complete the task at hand. I will continue to support them to that end and hope that the summit is productive and constructive.

It is only with the spirit of honesty and collaboration between political parties that these vessels can be completed and more work can be sourced for the yard.

I also know many residents have been campaigning over Inchgreen dry dock.

It is important that those managing our port facilities do so in a way which benefits our local maritime industry and the community which depends on its success.

Ultimately decisions about nationalisation is one for the Scottish Government, and whilst they don’t have great form in that respect, I respect the efforts of those campaigning to ensure our port infrastructure creates jobs and economic prosperity.