Cyclists in Inverclyde are being urged to go the extra mile to help Port Glasgow celebrate its 250th birthday next year.
Local councillor and keen cyclist Chris Curley has revealed plans to hold a 45-mile bike ride from one of Scotland's most famous sculptures to its Inverclyde equivalent - which he's billing 'from the Kelpies to the Skelpies'.
Councillor Curley says he wants to hold the event to raise wider public awareness of the town and the 250th anniversary of its becoming a burgh.
He says the event will help introduce Port Glasgow and Inverclyde to a wider audience as a destination in itself.
Chris said: "It's a cross-country cycle from the Kelpies to the Skelpies along the Forth and Clyde Canal.
"It's a great opportunity to take part in long distance active travel across central Scotland to Port Glasgow.
"I have done the cycle in reverse and it is 45 miles. It takes between four and five hours to complete, and it is always on the flat.
"It was a good opportunity to stop at the towns along the way, and then I got the train back from Falkirk."
Inverclyde Council unveiled plans earlier this year for a £40,000 cash pot from the district's Common Good Fund to mark the milestone, which is being supported by the Port Glasgow Regeneration Forum.
Authorities in Glasgow purchased land by the village of Newark to establish a port for the city in the late 16th century.
In 1710 the principal customhouse on the River Clyde was constituted at the Port of Glasgow.
The settlement around the port grew quickly and soon absorbed the fishing village of Newark.
Newark was a burgh of barony belonging to Hamilton of Wishaw, while Port Glasgow remained under the municipal authority of the City of Glasgow.
Recognising the complexities of this arrangement, an act of parliament was passed on May 22, 1775, establishing Port Glasgow as a burgh in its own right.
The Port Glasgow (Improvement) Act 1775 defined the burgh’s municipal responsibilities and its authority to raise duty.
Chris says he hopes to hold the event in April to coincide with the start of the celebrations.
"It's a good way to celebrate," he added.
"There are a number of things we can do to get everyone excited about the anniversary.
"We are looking for anyone with ideas to come forward, the more the merrier."
Chris says he is also looking for sponsorship to pay for the transport to get cyclists to the Kelpies for the start.
He added that he would be keen to hear from anyone who was interested in the event.
For more information email Chris at kelpies2skelpies@gmail.com.
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