THE owners of Inverkip Marina have launched a £1 million upgrade that they hope will give the facility, and the local economy, a major boost.
A brand new slipway and hoist unveiled at the weekend is part of major new expansion plans that the Holt Leisure Group hopes will keep them at the forefront of their industry.
The facility's status as a hub for several high end businesses, with a team of 16 direct employees supporting around 100 other sub contractors, means it a major local and national player.
Managing director Gavin McDonagh, who has been with the firm for 43 years, said: "We have spent hundreds of thousands on the slipway, and when you take in the new hoist and the other work, it comes to a £1m investment.
"We are currently sitting at 90 per cent capacity for berths, and we want to look at expansion further. We have 600 berths but with the potential for another 100.
"The new slipway allows boats to come out of the water, cutting down on maintenance for our customers. "
Inverkip Marina, the first marina in Scotland, has long been a jewel in the crown for Inverclyde, whie Gavin is a past president of the Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce.
He said: "The marina is a major tourism attraction and hugely important to the Scottish economy.
"Inverkip Marina is a substantial contributor to the local economy. We also believe in our social responsibility and over the years we have contributed a great deal to the local community.
"We provide good quality and worthwhile jobs."
The new slipway allows easy dry berthing for the first time and unlocks potential for a new customer base, opening up opportunities for day sailing and smaller boats launching from the Marina.
They have close links with the Royal Gourock Yacht Club who took part in their launch day.
Marina master Ian Rodger, who has been with Holt for 15 years and lives in Wemyss Bay, said: "We are a real family here, the staff and our customers. We know everyone and they are always made welcome."
Daniel Mellor is the assistant marina master and moved from Cape Town in South Africa to settle here.
Daniel, who now lives in Inverkip, said: "I love working here at the Inverkip Marina, there is such massive potential."
As well as as berths for sailing boats and yachts, there is also a whole cottage industry on site including boat electrics, on site engineers, electrics, boat building, bespoke upholsterers and valeters.
There is also a Royal Yacht Association training school at the site.
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