INVERCLYDE Tourist Group have impressed on the international stage — and now they are back in action for yet another record-breaking cruise liner season.

The tartan-clad volunteers give up their own time to offer a truly memorable welcome to the holidaymakers who visit our shores.

Their award-winning bus and walking tours have opened up the wonders of the Lyle Hill, Newark Castle and the Cloch Lighthouse to the world.

In a highly competitive industry they are giving their hometown an edge and are fast becoming Inverclyde’s top tourist attraction themselves.

As the new season comes round again the team of nearly 50 irrepressible foot soldiers are preparing to greet every one of the 100,000 passengers stopping off at the Ocean Terminal.

Vice chair Tony McGoldrick, who has been part of the team from almost the start, said: “One of our members was on a cruise himself and overhead passengers talking about the tourist group.

“The Clydeport manager went to a conference in Miami and they were talking about us.” The tourist group’s purpose is to send cruise line passengers home with a lasting impression of Inverclyde.

With its history, natural beauty and people the area has resources that more than match the most glamorous of destinations.

Chairperson Ann Macleod said: “It is wonderful to tell the stories and see people’s reactions.” Throughout the season — which lasts from May to September — the group offer three bus tours, in Greenock, Gourock and Port Glasgow.

Along the way passengers get a flavour of the Lyle Hill, Newark Castle and all the rich history in between.

The walking tours also take in the historic Old West Kirk, the Municipal Buildings and the Custom House.

Ann added: “I think my favourite is the Municipal Buildings. It is tremendous and there are so many hidden gems.” The group’s template is so successful that over the years other ports like Invergordon, Oban, Belfast, Dublin and Liverpool have tried to follow suit.

Now ITG hope that spring/summer 2015 will be another one to add to their greatest hits collection.

Vice chair Tony said: “We have won awards for our welcome but all we really want to do is show what Inverclyde has to offer.”