THE Scottish sailing season will kick off in Inverkip later this month as the Kip Regatta returns.

The competition is the first 'major' of the Scottish racing calendar and will be held at the Kip Marina over the weekend of May 14-15.

Due to the pandemic, the regatta has not been held in over two years, and organisers have planned a host of onshore events to complement the races taking place on the Clyde.

A Saturday night 'shore party' will take place in The Chartroom at the Marina, followed by a full breakfast service on the Sunday morning and a prizegiving ceremony at night.

The races will be part of Inverclyde's Meliora Festival, which also includes the British Pipe Band Championships at Battery Park on Saturday May 21.