Formal plea issued to the Scottish Government to provide greater support for Greenock's historic Inchgreen Dry Dock

A letter has now been sent to Derek Mackay MSP, Scotland's cabinet secretary for finance, economy and fair work, urging the government to do all it can to 'secure the assets for the nation' and to ensure 'full use of the dock for the benefit of Inverclyde and Scotland'.

It comes after councillors, including from the council's ruling Labour administration and opposition rivals from the SNP, voted to support the Campaign to Save Inchgreen, which is run by Port Glasgow man Robert Buirds.

The local authority's director of environment, regeneration and resources, Scott Allan, has written to Mr Mackay requesting that the government enter into talks with site owners Peel Ports to revitalise Inchgreen for the benefit of Inverclyde and the whole of Scotland.

Depute council leader Jim Clocherty suggested ministers could step in like they did with Prestwick Airport, when they brought it into public ownership after buying it for £1 in 2013.

Councillor Clocherty said: "We believe that Inchgreen Dry Dock is not only of importance to Inverclyde but of regional and national importance for the whole of Scotland. "Fifty years ago the QE2 was berthed there to be fitted out - the last great ocean liner to be built on the Clyde. "It was for that purpose that it was built, for major infrastructure projects and for shipbuilding and repair.

"We're calling on the Scottish Government to do what it has done for the likes of Prestwick Airport and help bring Inchgreen into use for the whole of Scotland."

The local branch of the SNP are in agreement that something has to be done with the site to help boost employment and the economy.

Councillor Chris Curley said: "We have many great assess here in Inverclyde and we should be utilising them more to bring more prosperity to the area and Inchgreen is a prime example. "There's lots of opportunities here and ways forward and we want to ensure how the owners can do that and do it efficiently to provide long-term jobs for the local economy and if they can't, from a national point of view, how as a national asset can be used for the benefit of Inverclyde and the national economy.

"Inchgreen has never been used to its full potential, certainly not since the 1960s, yet it has such great potential for infrastructure and marine engineering projects.

"We commend the work done by Robert and the rest of the Inchgreen Dry Dock campaign group in highlighting this both locally and nationally."

Councillors met with campaigners to lend their support as a huge banner was unveiled in Clyde Square.

Mr Buirds said: "This a major step forward. "It's certainly not the end of it but it puts more pressure on Peel."