The family-run Watt Brothers Ltd will move into a unit within the new part of the Port Retail Park.

Scotland’s oldest independently owned department store has earmarked the town as part of its expansion plans just days after celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The 15,000 square foot shop will employ staff on both a full-time and part-time basis and the shop is expected to open next year.

Port Glasgow councillor David Wilson welcomed the move, saying: “This is excellent news about the jobs.

“Many people are happy to have a part-time job to bring additional income into the household.

“It also shows that the retail park is really starting to take off.

“Watt Brothers will be great. It’s the place to go if you want to get crystal at a reasonable price.

“It’s always been a favourite store of Glasgwegians and it should be the same with Port Glaswegians.” Shop bosses say they picked Port Glasgow as an up and coming shopping centre.

A spokesman for Watt Brothers told the Telegraph: “The opportunity to open in Port Glasgow in what will be a thriving, retail environment is perfect for Watt Brothers and is an exciting development in the company’s future plans.” The historic business dates back to the 1800s and its flagship store on the corner of Sauchiehill Street and Hope Street opened in 1915.

The company, which was famed for selling only upmarket ladies clothes, started to expand in 1950s by opening a shop in Clarkston.

Other shops followed and it now trades from eight locations, with the Port, Irvine and another four sites included in its future plans.

Willie Watt, great grandson of the business founder Allan Watt, said: “We’ve seen positive growth in terms of both turnover and customer numbers even in the recent recessionary period and we’ve continued our expansion in terms of new store openings.

“My long term plan is to have a total of 16 stores throughout Scotland and we’re constantly looking at new opportunities to secure ideal locations.” Watt Brothers is the latest in a line of high street names set to open in Clydebuilt’s retail park, which is being expanded in a £30 million development which also includes a gym and restaurant.

It’s understood that Next, Boots, Marks and Spencer Simply Food and TX Maxx have shown an interest in leasing units.