THE countdown is on for one of the biggest maritime events in the UK - which will again take place in Inverkip.

Scotland's Boat Show at Kip Marina is just over a month away and the 2018 instalment is promising to be the biggest and best yet.

Organisers have announced that there will be a brand new layout and a host of additions to the itinerary of the three-day extravaganza, which starts on Friday October 12.

The show is the biggest of its kind in Scotland and now the second largest in Britain.

Over 12,000 people attend the free event every year and another bumper crowd is expected next month.

Among the raft of additions this year is a Taste Inverclyde pavilion, sponsored by Riverside Inverclyde, showcasing local food producers and providers, a birds of prey display and extended food and drink, car and motorhome, and marine leisure marquees.

Gavin McDonagh, managing director of Kip Marina owners Holt Leisure, said: "The boat show team have worked tirelessly to build on previous years' successes and, together with our key partners and sponsors, we are delighted to have established Scotland's Boat Show as the major event on the Scottish marine calendar for both our visitors and those involved in Scotland's marine and tourism businesses."

There will also be the usual array of new and pre-owned boats and the chance for visitors to 'get on the water' for free courtesy of RYA Scotland, enjoy helicopter rides, cooking demonstrations, a fashion show and have a look at a range of motorhomes and high-end cars from the likes of Porsche, Morgan and Lotus.

More than 40 artisan exhibitors will showcasing their crafts and luxury goods as well as lots of fresh Scottish produce for sale, plenty to eat and drink at the covered outdoor seating area, birds of prey from KG Hawks, a children's play area and entertainment from the Inverclyde and Largs Rock Choirs.

Stan Prosser, managing director of Marine Sales Scotland, said: "Scotland's Boat Show at Kip Marina has firmly established itself as the most important show in the north and continues to attract more visitors from all over the UK year on year, with Marine Sales Scotland similarly enjoying increased sales each show."

The event takes place on October 12, 13 and 14.

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

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