MEMBERS of a Greenock boat club are feeling 'buoyant' after getting a new state-of-the-art boat house.

The Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club (RWSABC) previously used a steel shipping container to store their safety boat.

But thanks to a generous donation from bosses from housing developers Ogilvie Homes, the club now have a bigger and more accessible boat house that can be used to store other vessels in addition to the safety craft.

To mark the occasion, a special handover ceremony took place during the club’s annual Inspection of Boats and Property, where club members joined local dignitaries including Guy Clark, Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, and Provost Martin Brennan.

Alex Paterson, the former vice president of RWSABC, accepted the keys from John Kearns, senior project manager with Ogilvie Homes, who are building new flats at the side of the club on the former Navy Buildings site.

Mr Paterson said: “From what was initially planned to be a shed to house our rescue boat, to what we have received, is greatly appreciated by the club and way beyond what we thought would be delivered.

"We sincerely wish Ogilvie Homes success with their Eldon Street development.

"We have already seen the benefits of having some of our new neighbours from the development participating in club activities.”

Sandy Ogilvie began discussions with the club to see how the Ogilvie Homes development could be 'a good neighbour'.

The provision of a proper boat house in which to store the club's safety boat was soon identified as a mutually beneficial project.

Club secretary Adam Graham worked closely with Mr Kearns and his team from Ogilvie to sort out the planning, construction and landscaping.

The new boat house will store the safety boat and several rowing skiffs, while there is also space for club kayaks.

In addition, there is a window on the side where the sailors can provide race control for weekly regattas.

Officials say that it will enhance the ability of the club to support watersports on the Clyde.

Lord Lieutenant Mr Clark unveiled a plaque on the new boat house and was presented with a gift by the club, as this year is the last year that he will be involved in an official capacity.

Also present were Heather Scott, the club's current vice president, as well as councillors Jim Clocherty, Elizabeth Robertson and David Wilson plus 11 former vice presidents and nine current committee members of the club.

Photo courtesy of Alex Workman, RWSABC member.