LAST week, I chaired the launch of the ambitious Marine Tourism Strategy for Scotland.

The document is seen as providing a more strategic approach to developing the wider marine tourism potential in Scotland.

This is something Inverclyde can share in, through further utilising the River Clyde and our marinas such as James Watt Dock and Kip Marina.

As convenor of the Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism I am acutely aware of the great potential of this industry to areas like Inverclyde.

It was evident by the inclusion of Inverclyde- based Ocean Youth Trust at the launch, as they showcased one of their vessels.

The document titled ‘Awakening the Giant’ is an important milestone and represents the culmination of a lot of hard work by a pro-active sector.

Both the private and public sector have signed up to the economic opportunity that Marine Tourism can bring.

The sector already brings in more money than golf and this will increase in the next five years.

The issue of finding meaningful employment is one which is raised with me by residents of Inverclyde, particularly the case of youth employment.

I was pleased to learn the Scottish Government has provided local authorities with a share of £6.5 million to take forward programmes which support young people towards a job.

Inverclyde will receive £86,878 of the funding.

I’m hopeful this funding will give local authorities additional resources to tailor activity to their local needs and give our young people the best possible chance of success.