A PRESSURE group is pushing for Inverclyde to have tax haven status by transforming part of the district into a 'freeport'.

The Campaign To Save Inchgreen Dry Dock is lobbying for the move as it believes it would attract major marine industry players and bring quality jobs to the area with firms taking advantage of lucrative incentives being championed by the UK Government.

Robert Buirds of the Inchgreen campaign — which is seeking to reinvigorate the dry dock — hailed the freeport idea as a 'great opportunity' for industrial regeneration.

Mr Buirds said: "We want to have as many opportunities as possible and if that can come off the back of a freeport then that's okay with me."

Freeports are special zones where normal tax and customs rules don't apply, where imports can enter with simplified documentation without paying tariffs.

Businesses operating within designated areas in and around the port can manufacture goods using the imports and add value before exporting again without ever facing full tariffs or procedures.

International trade secretary Liz Truss has proposed creating up to 10 freeports in the UK.

Mr Buirds said: "We are looking for as much investment as possible from the Scottish and UK governments.

"Inverclyde needs a major cash injection.

"The intention is to make an application [for freeport status] to Liz Truss, the Secretary of State for International Trade.

"If we can attract marine industry players through the benefits of a freeport they would have huge incentives to come to Inverclyde."

The Inchgreen campaign has issued a 'plea' for all local politicians 'to unite, campaign and lobby for Inverclyde to become a freeport'.

The Conservative candidate for Inverclyde at last year's general election, Haroun Malik, publicly promoted the district as a freeport during a hustings events at the Beacon Arts Centre.

Greenock Tory councillor Graeme Brooks also wrote to the government's Ms Truss last August, asking her to visit the area with a view to Inverclyde becoming a freeport.

He highlighted its 'decades as the key seaport on the west of Scotland' and the district's reputation as Scotland's cruise ship capital.

SNP MP Ronnie Cowan has given a cautious welcome to the idea of a freeport.

In a response to Mr Buirds' rallying call, Mr Cowan said: "A recent report in the Financial Times slammed freeports as a useful contributor to the UK economy but we should not dismiss any benefit to the local economy.

"Answers are required regarding their use for tax evasion and possible money laundering before we unreservedly back such a scheme.

"I am sure any responsible government would be able to do that."