SCOTLAND’S Boat Show returns to Inverkip next month and it is set to be the biggest yet.

Organisers are busy preparing for the return of the annual extravaganza at Kip Marina, which is on from October 13-15.

Now in its 31st year, the 2017 event will feature a record number of exhibitors and plenty to see and do for all the family on water and on land.

Celebrity chef Nick Nairn is also returning and, with the help of students from West College Scotland in Greenock, will put on culinary masterclasses over the course of the three days.

The event attracts around 16,000 people every year and the 2016 30th anniversary show was opened by HRH Princess Anne.

This year will once again be focused on getting people involved in boats and boating.

Marina boss Gavin McDonagh, managing director of owners Holt Leisure, said: “We have always been in the forefront of Scotland’s marine tourism initiative and, together with our key partners, are putting all the resources of Scotland’s Boat Show behind encouraging new people to take to the water.

“As we have now established SBS as the major event on the Scottish marine calendar it is the perfect opportunity to combine the success of the show with a gateway to get visitors afloat and encourage them to enjoy Scotland’s world class sailing waters.”

Last year’s successful ‘Get on the Water’ pavilion returns, sponsored by Riverside Inverclyde, and has been expanded to include free lectures, presentations and demonstrations and there will be representatives from various owner’s associations and manufacturers, who can advise on how to get involved in every type water sport from sailing, powerboats, RIBs, jetskis, paddleboards, canoes or even model boats.

There will be taster sessions courtesy of RYA Scotland allowing visitors to try yachts, motor yachts, RIB driving and dinghy sailing.

The popular WCS Food and Drink pavilion is also back and will be packed full of artisan products and a range of goods from fashion to furniture.

There will also be cars from the likes of Porsche, Morgan and Tesla, the chance to ride in an F1 powerboat, helicopter flights, entertainment, including from the Inverclyde and Largs Rock Choirs, and of course a huge range of new and pre-owned boats for sale.

Roseann Sweeney, boat sales manager of Michael Schmidt & Partner, said: “We will have the UK’s largest display of used boats in one place at Scotland’s Boat Show this year and we are advising potential buyers and sellers to contact us as soon as possible before the show.”

Admission to the boat show is free and parking costs £5.

For more information visit www.scotlandsboatshow.co.uk or call 521485.