Greenock Telegraph | News | This is not the worst place on the planet

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Friday, 15th February, 2002 00:00

This is not the worst place on the planet

INVERCLYDE has escaped the worst critcisms of a new controversial travel guide.

The Lonely Planet guide to Scotland condemned Edinburgh for its drugs and prostitute problems, denounced John O'Groats as "little more than a car park" and warned visitors to take care in Dunoon at night.

But the guide recommends Port Glasgow's replica of the Comet and Newark Castle as worth visiting along with the McLean Museum and HM Customs and Excise Museum in Greenock.

And it also highlights Gourock's beautiful location as well as the wonderful views across the Clyde from Lyle Hill.

As for eating out, attention is drawn to the great variety of restaurants, cafes and pubs in Greenock's West Blackhall Street and the Tontine Hotel in Ardgowan Square.

However, the reports on Inverclyde are not all positive.

Gourock's town centre is described as "fairly run down" and Port Glasgow "unprepossessing".

Robert Jackson, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: "I very pleased with the pluses, but I would point out that a major development is being proposed for Gourock which would see the town centre pedestrianised and upgraded. There is also a major development to take place in Port Glasgow which I should make it more attractive to people. But there are already positive things there such as the Comet and the Kelburn Park areaa."

A Lonely Planet spokeswoman defended the new book as a realistic portrayal of Scotland as a place to go on holiday.

She said: "It's not realistic to say everywhere in Scotland is paradise. But we think it's a fantastic destination and that's reflected."

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