THOUSANDS of people are set to descend on Inverclyde today and tomorrow for one of the biggest boating events in the UK.

Scotland’s Boat Show is on at Kip Marina in Inverkip and was officially opened yesterday by dignitaries, including Provost Robert Moran and Scottish business and tourism minister Fergus Ewing.

Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan and local MSP Stuart McMillan, who chairs a Scottish Parliament committee on marine tourism, were also there to lend their support and launch the eagerly-anticipated event.

The boat show attracted a staggering 14,000 to Inverkip 12 months ago, and thousands are expected again.

Mr Ewing heaped praise on the event and the key role Inverclyde plays in boosting Scotland’s marine tourism trade.

He told the Tele: “It’s a great tribute to the work of everybody involved, including Sail Scotland and RYA, that this is held in Inverkip and brings a huge number of people to the Inverclyde area.

“It’s one of the biggest boat shows in Britain, people come from all over many of them are staying in their own boats.

“As well as new boats there are also second-hand vessels for sale and on top of the boats, chandlery and related products.

“There’s also the showcasing of Scotland’s food and drink and arts and crafts, so this is one of the premier events, and I’m delighted as tourism minister to come here and see the good work of all involved.

“It’s a great day, especially of course as it’s not raining.” There are also luxury Bentley, Aston Martin and Porsche cars on display, lots of stalls across two marquees, jet ski displays, flyboarding demonstrations, helicopter rides, opportunities to go out on the water and try sailing and children’s entertainment.

Students from West College Scotland will be hosting cooking demonstrations in the food and drink pavilion, which is packed with artisan producers from across Scotland.

The boat show is open from 10am today and tomorrow.

Admission is free and car parking costs £5 per vehicle.

For more information visit www.scotlandsboatshow.co.uk or call 521485.