THE case for a new national film studio to be based in Inverclyde has been championed in the Scottish Parliament.

MSP Stuart McMillan is pushing for the much-vaunted project to be based locally - and is now challenging Creative Scotland and the government to rethink their plans.

His call comes as a proposal for a studio in Edinburgh becomes mired in legal challenges and protests over the use of the land.

The local MSP recently called for Inverclyde to be considered in the chamber at Holyrood, pointing out that it is already an established 'first choice' for film and TV crews on location.

Speaking to the Tele, he said: "I think there is a great case for Inverclyde to be considered for our national film studio.

"Every other week now there seems to be film shoots down here.

"It would be a big economic boost for the area - and Scotland needs a film studio.

"We are 20 minutes away from an international airport with good road links, we have the Clyde and we have diverse scenery. We have everything needed."

The Scottish Government has backed Creative Scotland's push for a dedicated facility to make the country competitive with the rest of the UK.

There were plans for a studio in Edinburgh, but that has stalled because of a dispute over the site - prompting the MSP's call for a rethink.

He added: "During my contribution I highlighted the opportunity for Inverclyde to be considered. It’s not the first time I’ve done this and won’t be the last.

"Clearly there are legal complications around the Pentland studio proposal, so why not Inverclyde?"

Inverclyde is a popular choice for film and TV productions with the drama Shetland regularly filmed here.

Port Glasgow was also used as the setting for Scarlett Johansson sci-fi movie Under the Skin.

The popular drama Waterloo Road was set latterly in the old Greenock Academy building and Still Game has visited several times to shot on location.

Most recently the former St Stephen's building was used for a new film based on the Scottish novel The Sopranos.

The BBC filmed Ordeal of Innocence at various locations around Inverclyde, including the Ardgowan Estate and Jericho House, earlier this year.

Inverclyde also made it on to the small screen in David Hayman's documentary Slavery: Scotland's Hidden Shame, with some of the documentary shot in the old tobacco warehouse.