WORK is under way on a trio of new sculptures highlighting the threat posed to Inverclyde by rising sea levels.

The 'three graces', a series of sister sculptures by artist Jason Orr, are set to be installed at locations in Port Glasgow, Greenock and Gourock as part of a national climate project.

The works are part of the 'Climate Beacons COP26' project, a nationwide collaboration between climate and arts groups that aims to increase awareness of climate change.

Each artwork will comprise compass-like base, a steel girder and three sculpted female heads, each with a different expression on the faces.

Mr Orr said: "The three heads sit on top of a metal girder, symbolic of the shipyards and the materials that built the Clyde.

"It's galvanised currently but it'll be given a red coat of paint before the sculpture is installed to be reminiscent of the boats built here.

"The three heads each have a different expression on them - the first a simple smile, the second a look of growing concern or worry.

"That second face is where we are right now, as we're understanding what the next 40 or 50 years of climate change might hold.

"The final face is shows what most people would interpret as screaming, some would see it as an angry expression."

The faces used were first 3D printed using scans of a model's head, with Jason using a mix of 3D printing and sculpting to get the final form.

When completed, the sculptures will be installed at Coronation Park in Port Glasgow, near the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock and close to Cardwell Road in Gourock.

Mr Orr hopes that installing them will help put the problem of climate change at the forefront of local people's thinking.

A recent study by research group Climate Central revealed that multiple areas of Inverclyde could be underwater by the end of the decade.

In Port Glasgow, there would be a significant land loss to Greenock Road and Coronation Park would be left underwater.

The Esplanade in Greenock would be totally submerged by 2030, as would large sections of the Battery Park, with parts of Eldon Street also at risk.

In Gourock, Climate Central predicts that the railway station would be lostss, as would much of the A770 at Ashton Prom and Cloch Road.

Jason said: "Public art is so important to everyone, artworks remind people of where they come from, what their conditions are and who lives round about them."