GREENOCK’S McLean Museum has been hailed a star attraction after receiving a top visitor rating.

The Kelly Street museum and art gallery, which is run by Inverclyde Council, has safely retained its four-star status from tourist board Visit Scotland.

Staff and council bosses are delighted that the McLean has the status of a certified, top-class attraction.

Councillor Martin Brennan, vice convener of the local authority education committee, said: “The McLean Museum, its staff and the collection behind it are a real cultural asset for Inverclyde and for Scotland.

“By retaining its four-star status the museum and art gallery are highlighted and endorsed by Visit Scotland as having ‘excellent’ standards.

“That’s important for residents and school parties visiting from within Inverclyde. It is also a message to the many thousands of visitors coming from abroad that they know they’ll get an excellent facility and level of service when they come to the McLean Museum to enjoy the collection and exhibitions.” The grading system assesses visitor attractions according to a set of national quality standards, ensuring that they meet essential requirements for cleanliness, safety, security, comfort, sustainability and customer care.

The museum has just opened a major summer exhibition of the work of one of the world’s most famous marine artists.

The ‘Ashore and Afloat’ exhibition, which runs until 12 September, explores the work of Frank Henry Mason (1876-1965).

He was one of the greatest marine artists of the 20th century and produced a wide range of works depicting most of the major maritime locations within the UK, and was particularly fond of the Clyde as a setting for his paintings.

This exhibition presents a unique survey of his work and includes many pieces from private lenders which are not normally available to the public. The paintings will include scenes from various parts of Mason’s career with a special emphasis on works with Clyde connections.