BOLD proposals to bring the world-famous QE2 ‘home’ to Greenock have taken a major step forward after senior government and regeneration figures met for the first time.

Representatives from Inverclyde Council, the Scottish Government, Visit Scotland and Scottish Enterprise have formed a dedicated working group to explore the idea and they got together in the Municipal Buildings yesterday.

Following the high level talks, Scottish Enterprise will now press authorities in Dubai about the condition of the former Cunard liner and — crucially — find out whether she is for sale or not.

The QE2 was sold to developers in Dubai 2008 and has been languishing there ever since.

If the response from Dubai is positive then the working group will steam ahead with a feasibility study to find out the best possible use for the QE2 and draw up a business plan to find out if the numbers add up.

Inverclyde Council declared support for the ambitious idea in June after it was first floated by community campaigner John Houston and highlighted in the Tele.

Local authority leader Stephen McCabe then wrote to the Scottish Government about the possibility of bringing her back to the River Clyde.

Now, in a move described as ‘hugely significant’, tourism minister Fergus Ewing MSP has responded by encouraging national agencies to join an Inverclyde working group.

Cllr McCabe said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has recognised that QE2 is an important part of Scottish and Greenock’s maritime history.

“While her future is uncertain and we still have no clear indication from Dubai about their plans, this support is a chance for all of the various government agencies to work together to find out if there is a strong business case to bringing QE2 to Greenock and the Clyde.

“I said in my earlier statements that bringing QE2 home to the Clyde and Greenock is a Herculean task.

“The more you look at it, the larger that job becomes.

“That’s why it is hugely significant to have the backing of the Scottish Government and national agencies such as Scottish Enterprise around the table supporting our ambitious proposal.” The first meeting of the new working group was chaired by regeneration body Riverside Inverclyde, which was represented by chief executive and council regeneration director Aubrey Fawcett. Scottish Government tourism minister Fergus Ewing said: “We have outlined potential support that the Scottish Government and its agencies could provide, which is dependent on the council being able to secure the QE2.

“There is great potential but we need to see whether a practical, affordable plan can be devised and wish to discuss the idea further to map out what that would entail.” Meanwhile, QE2 campainer Mr Houston has secured funding from Ferguson’s owner Jim McColl to complete a fundraising campaign and fly out to Dubai so he can speak with authorities directly.

He said: “Massive thanks to Clyde Blowers and Ferguson Marine owner Jim McColl.

“Flights fundraiser now complete.”