AMERICAN university students taking part in cultural UK tour had the chance to experience Inverclyde's hospitality.

The students from Michigan led by lecturer Kim Bowen teamed up with MSP Stuart McMillan to stay in the area and get a tour of the highlights.

During their whistle-stop visit the Spring Abor University group had the chance to go to Cappielow and find out more about ongoing community projects.

American students visit CappielowAmerican students visit Cappielow (Image: George Munro)

Students Alanna Taylor and her friends Clarissa Sims and Jenn Maher have all enjoyed the trip.

Jenna, 22, said: "It is my dream to come visit Scotland and Ireland so I am living my dream.

"It has been absolutely amazing to experience real life here."

Clarissa Sims was over the moon to visit community projects as well as the tourist attractions.

She said: "It was great to speak to people at Belville Community Garden, it is all about serving your community, which is what I want to do."

Spring Abor in Michigan organises the visit every year to grow stronger links with the UK.

Lecturer Kim Bowen said: "It has been lovely to stay here in Inverclyde. I bring students to the UK every year for a month. We experience the culture and the history.

"We love coming to Scotland and to visit parliament. We like to learn about the economics as well what family life is like.

"It is such a beautiful, beautiful place here in Inverclyde. We would like to thank Stuart and others for hosting us.

"We have come here to the football stadium and we went to Belville Community Gardens, which was great."

MSP Mr McMillan decided to make the visit special this year by inviting the group not only to Edinburgh and to Holyrood, but to stay in Invercyde.

Mr McMillan said: "We are delighted to welcome the students. I have met with Kim before, they normally go to London and Edinburgh, but I thought it would be nice to welcome them here and let them experience Inverclyde."