Neil Bibby MSP: Inverclyde’s great start in promoting Scotland to the world

Our history, culture and landscape – and that’s not to mention the quality of our produce – are known and celebrated across the world.

As sources of soft power, it is right that we should take advantage of these assets to promote our country abroad.

Rather than selling Scotland to the Scots – as has too often been the focus under the Scottish Government – we should be selling Scotland to the world.

The Regal Princess was one of 70 cruise ships to visit Greenock this year. (Image: George Munro) This will help to create economic opportunities that benefit people at home.

Fortunately for Inverclyde, our area has the potential to benefit particularly well – and we are making progress in doing so.

Inverclyde’s position at the mouth of the Clyde makes it an ideal stop for cruise ships visiting the West of Scotland.

Indeed, as reported in the Telegraph, more than 60 cruise ships have berthed at Greenock’s Ocean Terminal since April – carrying thousands of tourists from around the globe.

This footfall coming into the area gives local organisations the chance to display all that Inverclyde has to offer historically and culturally.

The Ocean Terminal’s visitor centre – which opened last year and features a restaurant, museum and art gallery – is a fantastic example of how this can be done.

Inverclyde’s place by the Clyde also makes it a perfect location for importing and exporting goods.

The new £25 million Peel Ports cranes in Greenock, which opened last week, will do much to improve capacity in this domain.

Peel Ports’ new £25m cranes were officially unveiled last week. (Image: Peel Ports Group) Investment in Inverclyde’s cultural and economic assets is good news for Inverclyde and Scotland as a whole.

Coupled with the UK Government’s new Employment Rights Bill – which, as reported in the Telegraph, has been praised by the Inverclyde Advice and Employment Rights Centre – investment will help to create secure jobs for people while supporting the local economy.

Inverclyde has made a fantastic start in promoting Brand Scotland, but it is important we keep it up.