STRIKING new public artworks celebrating Inverclyde's past, present and future have been unveiled on Greenock's waterfront.

RIG Arts and the artist Tragic O’Hara were commissioned to deliver a trio of works for the Creative Conversations project.

To gather ideas for the designs, RIG and Tragic engaged with local community groups to shape their creations which now take pride of place along the National Cycle Network route 75 at the Waterfront Leisure Centre.

It's hoped that the eye-catching permanent artworks will encourage more people to use the route for a walk or cycle.

The project was supported by Sustrans Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund - through the Great Place Inverclyde Scheme - and Inverclyde Council.

Looking to the past, Jason Orr's 'Yardmen' celebrates Inverclyde's rich shipbuilding heritage in miniature form.

The 12-inch tall figures represent the lives and work of ordinary people and celebrates the skills of all of the workers involved in the shipbuilding industry.

Representing the present day, Alan Potter has created 'Ebb & Flow' - a seating installation based on forms of kelp and sealife, with a seal at its centre.

The spiral seating, made from oak with embedded porcelain and pebble mosaics, depicts typical Clyde riverlife including mackerel, salmon, wrasse, flounder and crab.

Tragic O'Hara's 'Mechanical Animals' is a stark warning for the future, representing what may happen if the climate and biodiversity emergencies continue unchecked.

Three 'mechanical' jellyfish sculptures, constructed from steel and perspex and placed on top of recycled telephone poles, represent a future where society is forced to invent robotic versions of animal species which no longer exist.

Cosmo Blake, network engagement manager at Sustrans, said the project allowed people to put their own stamp on the well-known area in a way that reflects Greenock's rich history and heritage.

He added: "We hope the artworks inspire many more people across Inverclyde to explore the area."

Karen Orr, chief executive of RIG Arts, said: "The three co-created artworks reflect the current times and are very embedded in and inspired by the place.

"We hope that the works will stimulate conversations and encourage visitors to the area.

"They are so diverse that there should be something for everyone to enjoy and interact with."

Councillor Jim Clocherty, depute leader of Inverclyde Council, said that elements of the artwork are very topical following the COP26 summit, as they raise awareness of the environmental emergency.

He added: "They add extra dimensions to the already picturesque Greenock waterfront and we hope people near and far will visit.

"Celebrating one of our greatest assets, the river, and adding a splash of colour to this beautiful section of the National Cycle Network will only encourage more people to discover Inverclyde."