COUNCILLORS have extended and invitation to Britpop band Blur to visit Inverclyde after a photo of the iconic Gourock Outdoor Pool was unveiled as the cover of their new album.
Blur announced their ninth studio album, The Ballad of Darren, on Thursday, with a striking image of the bright blue pool against a grey, cloudy backdrop.
The photo was taken by Martin Parr in 2004, and features a solitary swimmer – Ian Galt – making his way up the pool.
Residents of Inverclyde have expressed their delight at the use of the image, with the news also making national headlines.
Suggestions have now been made that the popular band, who passed through the Gourock on their way to a headline show in Dunoon in 1995, should return to Inverclyde to perform live.
Provost Drew McKenzie, said: “It’s great that all the people, so many people are now talking about Gourock Pool thanks to Blur.
READ MORE: How Gourock Outdoor Pool landed on the cover of Blur's upcoming album
“Of course the beauty and allure of the pool comes as no great surprise to Inverclyde residents present and past as it is such an iconic attraction for the area.
“But the stir caused by Blur can only help springboard Gourock Pool and indeed Inverclyde as a whole to a much wider, global audience and that can only be a good thing because we want more people to discover the many wonderful things we have to offer.
“And our door is always open should Messrs Albarn, Coxon, James, and Rowntree if ever they fancy a dip in the pool or indeed make a welcome return to perform in Inverclyde to promote their new album.”
That call has also been backed by Councillor Martin McCluskey.
In a tweet, he said: “Hi @blurofficial. Thanks for using this pic on the cover of your new album.
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"Fancy doing a gig at our pool over the summer to celebrate?"
Greenock-born West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene also spoke of his delight at seeing the cover.
He tweeted: “This is amazing. It’s a cracking photo and from what I can make out going to be an amazing album. Now the whole world can enjoy our beautiful Clyde coast!”
Marc McFarlane, facility manager at Inverclyde Leisure, added: “It is great the see our prestigious facility receive such a wave of recognition.
"The picture encapsulates how truly breath-taking a swim at Gourock Pool can be.”
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