CAMPAIGNERS fighting to revitalise Inchgreen drydock are now working on ideas to breathe new life into Greenock's historic sugar sheds.

The iconic structures were made wind and watertight by Riverside Inverclyde over 10 years ago but development plans subsequently stalled amid the financial crash and credit crunch.

Now the Inchgreen activists are putting the sheds back under the spotlight as part of their efforts to create jobs and restore the district's rich industrial heritage.

They were taken on a tour of the sheds by this week led by owners Peel and their property director Brian Lavalette.

Also in attendance were David Mann, the director of the Scottish Heritage Museum, and David O’Neil, director of Falls of Clyde International plus other activists and Councillor Ciano Rebecchi.

Group spokesman Robert Buirds said: "David Mann made a number of observations regarding the enormous size of the buildings and the undertaking required to regenerate some of the buildings.

"Mr O’Neil was impressed at the historical structure of the buildings and the James Watt Harbour for his plans on returning the Falls of Clyde ship to its birthplace.

The group is now poised for talks to discuss the visit and explore heritage opportunities that may exist to develop the sheds, in a way that that complements the James Watt Dock harbour and successful marina.

Robert said: "We will further develop the discussion at our meeting with Visit Scotland officers at our meeting on March 30, regarding opportunities for assistance."

The campaigners have welcomed the recent publication of an Inverclyde Heritage Strategy and believe the using the sugar sheds should play an integral part in it.

Mr Buirds told the Tele: "The campaign was pleased at the publication of the strategy” and its 10-year plan to 2029, as it fitted into the campaign's support for our industrial heritage and job creation.

"We like many in Inverclyde believe we have a rich heritage which has been under valued and not been fully exploited in bringing benefits to the community.

"The strategy - properly implemented and funded - could be a game changer in exploiting our rich maritime heritage and create jobs, attractions and encourage visitors from other parts of Scotland and elsewhere, bringing benefits to our community."