THE task force which has been set up to help rejuvenate Inverclyde's fortunes has lost a key member.

Ivan McKee had been representing the Scottish Government on the group, which includes the local MP, MSP, stakeholders from all tiers of government and other influential bodies, which is working on a plan to breathe fresh life into the district.

But now Mr McKee has left the government as trade minister following the appointment of new First Minister Humza Yousaf.

Council leader Stephen McCabe says his exit is a blow.

He said he was sorry to see him go - and called for Mr Yousaf to ensure that a replacement is found quickly.

He aid: "Ivan has made an important contribution to the Inverclyde Task Force. I hope HumzaYousaf will ensure that a new minister is appointed to replace him on the task force as soon as possible."