INVERCLYDE'S MSP led a parliamentary debate on his rallying call for Greenock's historic sugar sheds to be transformed into a national slavery museum.

Stuart McMillan was centre stage at Holyrood as he argued for the town to be used to educate, and also eradicate prejudices which still exist today.

Mr McMillan began his campaign for the sugar sheds — synonymous with Inverclyde's links to the slave trade — to be utilised as a 'Museum for Human Rights' in June.

The MSP has now brought the matter to national focus within the Scottish Parliament by securing a members' debate.

Mr McMillan said: "I believe my proposal will bring multiple benefits to my constituency and to Scotland as whole.

"For Scotland, this facility could help teach current and future generations about the darker aspects of our nation's past.

"In doing so, we'd teach people young and old about human rights and why we should respect others, no matter their creed, colour or religion."

Parts of Inverclyde, particularly Greenock, have strong links to slavery through the sugar and tobacco industries which helped build the district.

Place names such as Jamaica Street, Togo Place, Tobago Street and Virginia Street are directly linked.

Even Greenock's most famous son, James Watt, had connections to the slave trade.

The parliamentary debate came after the Telegraph told last month how Municipal Buildings chiefs are looking to 'de-colonise' collections at the Greenock's McLean Museum in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Plans have been drawn up to 'reinterpret' exhibits, displays and artefacts.

Mr McMillan said: "With many links including local street names, industries, and people demonstrating Inverclyde's connections to the transatlantic slave trade and associated industries, like sugar and tobacco, a museum focusing on Scotland's role in colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade would, sadly, not be out of place.

"Many people have told me that we can't change the past, which is true, but that isn't a reason for not addressing it.

"A Museum of Human Rights would be a fitting way to honour those whose lives were lost and taken by our inglorious colonial history."

Mr McMillan added: "For Inverclyde, a Museum for Human Rights could be the foundation stone on which to build a regeneration project that will breathe new life into the area — an area which has suffered many social ills and is again reeling from the effects of this dreadful health crisis.

"We have a chance to do something positive — something that will be educational, while simultaneously helping bring jobs and inward investment to Inverclyde."