I HAVE long admired Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney’s passion for the Clyde’s maritime heritage and the economic potential of the river (‘Peel Ports accused of ‘conflict of interest’, 27 November).

I wholeheartedly agree with Paul that the privatisation of Clyde Port Authority in 1992, some 31 years ago, by the then-Conservative government was a bad decision.

I also accept that the subsequent acquisition of Clydeport by Peel Ports in 2003 may have compounded this due to Peel Ports' ownership interests on Merseyside.

The reality, however, is that irrespective of the well-meaning petition from the Save Inchgreen Drydock Campaign, there is no prospect whatsoever of the Scottish Government agreeing to take back into public ownership Peel Ports' assets on the Clyde, including Inchgreen Drydock.

Despite the criticism labelled at local councillors in the Tele editorial, we remain focused on working with Peel Ports to try and realise the potential that exists on the lower Clyde, including greater use of the drydock.

I am more than happy to meet with Paul to discuss any ideas he has for Inchgreen and the lower Clyde, even if he is a Glasgow MSP rather than a West of Scotland MSP.

I am also happy to try and facilitate a meeting with Peel Ports if that would be of interest to him.

Councillor Stephen McCabe