FORMER student flats on Greenock’s waterfront are fully booked for the Commonwealth Games after being let out to volunteers.

Hundreds of the Clydesiders ambassadors for Glasgow 2014 are expected to stay at the one-time James Watt College accommodation blocks during the spectacular sporting showpiece this summer.

The operation at the 80-room Greenock Halls complex is being managed by local firm Short Let Scotland, part of estate agents Fixed Price.

Now thanks to Gourock man and games volunteer Alan Stevenson, 59, all the rooms have been snapped up.

Alan has been encouraging Clydesiders to stay in Inverclyde during the games after he saw first-hand the soaring cost of accommodation and lack of rooms in the city centre and realised there was a great opportunity right on his doorstep.

Along with fellow volunteers Felicity Bryant, from Greenock, and Margaret Watson, from Port Glasgow, he has been talking up the area and played a key role in the sell-out of the former student blocks.

Alan, a retired insurance broker and Gourock Bowling Club past-president, said: “Some time ago I recognised that the cost of accommodation, particularly in Glasgow, was becoming so expensive, and considering that some of the Clydesiders will be here for a month, tried to resolve this.

“I discovered that the student flats were available at a very reasonable rental.

“As a result, through our Facebook page we have attracted a considerable number of Clydesiders to stay in Inverclyde before and during games time.

“They are coming from all parts of the UK.” The trio now want to capitalise on the opportunity to showcase Inverclyde and encourage people to come back and visit the area in the future.

They have set up a Facebook page for Clydesiders and hope to drum up support.

Retired secondary school teacher Felicity, 65, said: “The flats are completely booked out, which is a fantastic response.

“We are looking to make contact with as many people as possible. We’re trying to promote Inverclyde as a tourist destination.” Alan, Felicity and Margaret have secured the backing of local businesses, which are offering visitors special discounts and rates during their stay here, and Inverclyde Council.

Margaret, 47, who works as a human resources manager for a voluntary organisation, said: “It’s about people recognising what’s here and coming back.

“Inverclyde is so beautiful and commutable.” Gourock man Alan says close to 60,000 names will be processed for games accreditation alone and he hopes to tap into the vast amount of volunteers, spectators and even athletes who will be in Glasgow and promote Inverclyde’s attractions to them. For more information search for the ‘InverClyde-siders’ on Facebook or email inverclyde@talktalk.net