INVERCLYDE could become Scotland's answer to Hollywood if an audacious new plot to build a film studio in the district takes off.

MSP Duncan McNeil wants the district to be in the running for a proposed Scottish film project and says the idea is a perfect way to capitalise on the success of local hit TV show Waterloo Road.

Scottish Government development agency Scottish Enterprise is currently investigating sites for a national studio and Mr McNeil has touted Spango Valley and Faulds Park in Gourock as possible locations.

It had been thought that Glasgow's Pacific Quay - home to the BBC and STV studios - would be chosen.

But Mr McNeil said Scottish Enterprise chiefs have told him that they are looking at sites 'within an hour's drive of Glasgow'.

He said: "I'm pleased this change of thought has happened.

"We have a great track record of making films and more recently 'Waterloo Road', which is done by Shed Productions, who are part of the Warner Brothers stable.

"We have tremendous locations that would suit film-makers.

"I'm now trying to get more information about the remit of the film studio group that has been set up in Scotland."

A plan for a Scottish film studio was first revealed earlier this year, following a UK Government announcement of new tax relief for the creative industries.

Since then Scotland has lost out on major productions going to England, Wales and Ireland because the country does not have a film studio.

Mr McNeil, who was instrumental in persuading the makers of BBC hit Waterloo Road to move to Greenock, hopes Inverclyde can now be a serious contender for the studio project.

He said: "There will be strong competition to be the site, but I believe we have to really go for this."

A spokeswoman for Scottish Enterprise said a three-month feasibility study into possible sites had started, and a shortlist should be drawn up by the autumn or early winter.

She added: "We were involved in bringing Waterloo Road to Greenock, and we're keen to hear what Inverclyde has to offer the film project."