A LEADING Scottish politician is backing calls for a James Watt Festival to be held in Inverclyde.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism & External Affairs Fiona Hyslop is supporting the suggestion made in the Tele last week by Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan.

He said there should be a week-long event in 2019 to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the death of the Greenock-born inventor at the age of 83.

Mr McMillan told the Scottish Parliament that such a festival could have a positive impact on Inverclyde with the teaching of science, technical, engineering and maths as well as on wider society, the economy and culture.

Ms Hyslop backed his suggestion and went further by saying that events planned to celebrate Watt’s life and achievements would be warmly welcomed across Scotland.

She said: “They would be welcomed particularly by the community in Inverclyde, so we’re very happy to consider approaches – as would Creative Scotland with their Open Fund.”

Ms Hyslop says the Scottish Government is giving a £250,000 boost to annual science festivals and hinted that a Watt festival could be a suitable idea for funding.

She said: “I think celebrating the great James Watt is one of the ways which could enhance that programme in 2019.”

Mr McMillan says he is delighted to have secured support in cabinet for his idea.

He said: “A James Watt Festival has many possibilities, and would welcome both locals and visitors alike to celebrate our most famous son, who played a crucial part in not only putting Scotland on the map but benefitting the world with his inventions.”