THE council is backing a new campaign to ensure local firms can benefit from marine tourism.

Sail Scotland has launched a new web-based platform called ‘Shop to Ship’ to improve connections between local businesses and visiting leisure crafts, yachts and cruising vessels of the likes that regularly visit James Watt Dock Marina in Greenock.

The new scheme promotes the purchase of local seafood, fresh food, arts and crafts but also in a manner that in light of Covid-19 respects the wishes of communities regarding visitors stepping ashore at destination ports, anchorages and harbours.