A TOP Scottish political pundit has made Inverclyde his home.
Sir John Curtice is now living in Port Glasgow to support his wife, Reverend Dr Lisa Curtice, in her role as the new rector of St Mary's Episcopal Church.
The political expert, who is often asked for predictions on election night on TV, says he delighted to be living in Port Glasgow and loves the views from their manse.
Professor Curtice, 70, told the Telegraph: "I am very happy living here, it's what my wife wanted to do.
"We have glorious views from our house, along the A8 and the railway line. When you see the river it is just a different world.
"The view is superb and changes all the time, with the sun over the Argyll hills."
The pair have one daughter and two granddaughters, who live in London, and the family will be visiting their parents at Christmas.
He remained tight-lipped, however, when asked if he was going to take an interest in local politics, especially with a by-election coming up.
He said: "We'll see. I did meet the depute provost when Lisa was ordained."
Professor Curtice, who is professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde and Research Consultant to the Scottish Centre for Social Research, said: "Greenock has an unusual political history with the liberals back in the 1960s."
He has wasted no time in getting to know the local area.
He quipped: "When my wife was a curate I got used to walking around the town and the joys of the retail park, which has had an impact on the town centre, and finding my way around the complex provision of bus services."
READ MORE: New rector appointed to Port Glasgow church after four-year vacancy
When asked about the current political situation and his predictions for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary elections, Professor Curtice, who was knighted in the 2018 New Year honours list for services to social sciences and politics, said: "Labour's weakness in opposition has been exposed in government.
"As far as 2026 goes, it's up in the air."
He added the NHS and lack of funding was an issue for both governments.
He said: "Both sides are in the same predicament, it's who wins the blame game."
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