'Regeneration doesn’t need to begin with government.'

West Blackhall Street and Port Glasgow town centre both tell the same story all too clearly as shuttered shops and fading signs replace once thriving businesses.  

This week, a Freedom of Information request I submitted to Inverclyde Council revealed that 91 retail units across Inverclyde now lie empty, including 49 in Greenock, 19 in Port Glasgow, and 10 in Gourock.

That’s a sobering snapshot of how online shopping, the pandemic, and rising costs have changed the nature of our towns.  

A total of 91 retail units across Inverclyde are lying empty. (Image: George Munro)

Across Scotland, the picture is no brighter. Footfall continues to decline, dropping by 2.3 per cent in September, according to the Scottish Retail Consortium, and that decline is even sharper in smaller towns like ours. 

Inverclyde’s high streets used to be the heart of community life, and if we don’t act now, they risk becoming desolate permanently.

Every time I meet with small businesses, they describe the same struggles, from high overheads to low footfall, and the Labour government's decision to raise national insurance contributions has done little to help employ local people.  

It is the responsibility of both of Scotland’s governments to make starting and growing a business easier.

Jamie Greene MSP says he wants to see much more action taken to improve the fortunes of town centres. (Image: George Munro)

We need to reform business rates, improve transport links and rethink how we best use our high streets and town centres for the future.  

We’re already seeing local communities taking matters into their own hands across Scotland, with empty premises finding new life as cafés, start-up hubs, and social spaces.

Regeneration doesn’t need to begin with government. Instead, it can start with communities using local initiative to turn our potential into real renewal.

In fact, our communities can achieve more than any Government can – they just need the resources to do so.  

Ferguson Marine apprentices at their graduation ceremony (Image: George Munro)

We are also seeing that spirit of renewal taking place locally. It was great to read in the Tele this week about Ferguson Marine’s apprentice graduation in Port Glasgow - a perfect example of what can be achieved when we invest in young people.  

Our shipyard has faced real challenges in recent years, but these apprentices represent its future, young people building careers and pride in a trade that has shaped this community for generations. 

Their success should remind us that Inverclyde’s story doesn’t need to be one of decline.

Instead, with the right support, investment, and belief in our local talent, we can rebuild an economy that works for all.