RONNIE Cowan MP has showed his support for a charity shop in Kilmacolm.

The MP visited Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Kilmacolm boutique.

Ronnie has been a great support to the store and the charity over lockdown, helping them secure much-needed funding through the Strategic Framework Business Fund (SFBF) from Inverclyde Council.

The fund was set up to provide grants to businesses required to close by law due to covid19 restrictions.

Kirsty Stronach, Retail Support Manager at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Ronnie to our Kilmacolm store. "Ronnie has been a great support to the charity and especially the store over lockdown. He helped us secure much-needed funding from the local council. It was great to give Ronnie a tour of the shop and introduce him to our amazing volunteers, who dedicate their time to keep the store running.”

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland was forced to close its chain of 45 shops in line with government restrictions. The closures resulted in the charity losing £2 million in income from its charity shops over the last year.

Ronnie Cowan MP for Inverclyde said: “I was delighted to visit the Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) branch in Kilmacolm to meet with Kirsty, Area Support Manager, and their volunteers.

"I’ve been happy to support the charity by making regular donations over the years and it was great to learn more on my visit.

“The visit came about after being contacted by the charity during lockdown regarding their application to Inverclyde Council for a Covid grant which had stalled.

"Thankfully, I was able to make representations on their behalf to Inverclyde Council and the funding was provided which allowed the charity to continue and support people in Kilmacolm and the wider Inverclyde area."