A CAR ferry link between Gourock, the Republic of Ireland and Spain is among the most eye-catching items on John Burleigh's by-election wish list.

The well-known local man stood as an independent in the Scottish Parliament election in 2021 and the General Election earlier this year.

In between, he was a Liberal Democrat candidate in the Gourock ward at the 2022 Scottish local government elections.

He says his switch to Reform UK for the forthcoming Inverclyde West by-election has evolved from his Christian beliefs and his strong views about the United Kingdom.

John added: "The party reflects my values and aspirations.

"Having listened to [former MP] Ann Widdecombe on various topics I warmed to her 'common sense' approach, and the honouring of the history and heritage of our United Kingdom as a Judeo-Christian country.

"I would like to have a united British Isles if not United Kingdom, and want people to remember and respect the history of the British Isles."

John admits that he has 'learned lessons' from the election earlier this year, where he amassed 365 votes.

He added: "I took on things which were not vote winners. I now want to focus on the 'doables'."

John wants to see the introduction of a continental cruise car ferry which will sail from Gourock to Dun Laoghaire in Ireland, and onto Santander in Spain.

He says the ferry would boost tourism, trade, and transport and would bring a 'much-needed' economic revival to the Clyde.

John added: "It would make Gourock the marine gateway to Europe from Scotland.

"Gourock was strategic in the Second World War and it could be strategic again.

"People would open up bed and breakfasts, and there would be employment opportunities and business start-ups.”

Mr Burleigh, 71, also wants to see a bus pass ‘for all’ which he says will give a ‘leg up’ to people seeking work further afield.

John was born and bred in Largs and attended Largs Primary and Keil Boarding School, and has lived in Inverclyde since 1990.

He completed a hotel management course at Napier College before working on North Sea oil rigs for three years.

He graduated from Paisley College of Technology with an BSc in mechanical engineering, and in a varied career worked at the Torness nuclear power station, as a technical teacher in schools across Inverclyde, and as a voluntary port chaplain at Greenock Ocean Terminal after completing a BA in theology.

John is married to Heather and has two daughters, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren from his first marriage.

He famously jumped into the water in Rome during the Ryder Cup last year.

Another focus for Mr Burleigh will be improving policing across Inverclyde.

He added: "Crime and shoplifting in Inverclyde have reached unacceptable levels.

"We are getting away from shoplifting and moving towards looting.

"Civilians must arm themselves with CCTV as evidence. I want to see Greenock police station remain open, and community hubs open up.”

His campaign will encourage people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, and stop relying on the NHS.

He added: “The NHS is not the cure for all our ills with pills.

“Small changes early on could have significant benefits later in life, and it starts in the playground and the lunchbox.

“Health catches up with all of us and we in Greenock know all about that.

“It’s time to look after our health from an early age and not when it's too late. We have a personal responsibility for our own wellbeing.”