ALMOST 500,000 people went along to visitor attractions in Inverclyde over the past year — a staggering 61 per cent increase on the 12 months before.

Figures released by the respected Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development show the new £10 million Beacon Arts Centre on Greenock’s waterfront was the biggest draw with 144,698 visitors.

The Greenock Cut — part of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park — saw the biggest increase of 58.3 per cent.

Councillor Michael McCormick, environment and regeneration convener, said: “These visitor number increases are a fantastic reflection of the facilities we have in Inverclyde and the warm welcome on offer to locals and visitors alike. Every visit to one of our leisure, arts and visitor attractions is money into the local economy.

“Also, crucially, with our Inverclyde Living campaign encouraging more people to consider Inverclyde as a place to live, getting more visitors to our area to experience the best we have is the perfect way to showcase Inverclyde.” Julie Ellen, artistic director and CEO at The Beacon Arts Centre, said: “We could not have wished for a better reception from audiences in the Beacon’s first year of opening.

“The lively buzz of our river view bistro, foyer and gallery rooms has been a real draw for visitors who enjoyed exhibitions, classes and meals, threw parties, celebrated with friends and more than 44,000 people bought tickets for 195 shows.

“We’re delighted.” David Gatherer, Clyde Muirshiel Regional park manager said: “It has been fantastic to see a lot more visitors making use of the wonderful walks and wildlife watching opportunities at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre. Thanks are certainly due to Inverclyde Council roads service for getting the main access road up Shielhill Glen open after a landslip.

“We do hope many folk will continue to enjoy the wonderful views from Inverclyde on show from the Greenock Cut.” There are eight visitor attractions in Inverclyde which monitor visitor numbers with the Moffat Centre: Beacon Arts Centre; Funworld; Finlaystone Country Estate; Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park (Greenock Cut); The McLean Museum; Gourock Outdoor Pool; Scottish Fire & Rescue Museum and Newark Castle.

Councillor McCormick added: “As well as having fantastic visitor attractions Inverclyde also boasts some unique events. The Commonwealth Flotilla setting sail from Greenock’s James Watt Dock with the largest flotilla in Clyde history was the perfect way to experience the river and enjoy the opening weekend of the Commonwealth Games. In October, Kip Marina hosts Scotland’s Boat Show, the premier boating event in the country and one which brings so many people to our area to experience the first class welcome.

“These are unique events right on our doorstep and showcasing Inverclyde as a great place to visit and to live.” Council plans for increased visitor and tourism facilities include opening up the iconic Victoria Tower in Greenock’s Municipal Buildings and creating a new micro-distillery near Loch Thom.

Councillor McCormick said: “With Greenock’s Ocean Terminal welcoming a record 90,000 cruise ship passengers this year alone it is clear that Inverclyde is on the right path to attracting more visitors to our area.”