22nd July 2011
Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has praised the Inverclyde Tourist Group for all they have done after a decade showing visitors round the area.
Mr McNeil joined the volunteers for their 10th anniversary celebrations and has invited them through to the Scottish Parliament after laying down a motion in their name.
He said: “These volunteers do a fantastic job ensuring that Inverclyde gets the full benefit of the growing number of cruise ships visiting the area.
“Their welcoming faces create a warm and friendly impression of Inverclyde and Scotland and I am sure their good cheer is appreciated by the many first-time visitors to the area.
“And their knowledge and enthusiasm will leave many people with a lasting memory of Inverclyde and hopefully encourages them to come back on their next visit to Scotland.”
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
MOTION
Date of Lodging: 20 July 2011
Short Title: Tenth Anniversary of Inverclyde Tourist Group
S4M-00544 ♦ Duncan McNeil () (Scottish Labour): That the Parliament congratulates the volunteers at Inverclyde Tourist Group on the group’s tenth anniversary; recognises that the volunteers give up their time to welcome passengers from the many ships that dock at Greenock’s Ocean Terminal; notes that it is estimated that more than 50,000 passengers will visit Inverclyde in 2011 on board 36 cruise ships; further notes that the cruise ship industry has an estimated value to the Scottish economy of £32 million; welcomes the efforts of the group, decked out in Inverclyde tartan, in giving a warm and friendly welcome to visitors to Inverclyde and Scotland by providing free tours of Greenock, Gourock and Newark Castle, and acknowledges what it considers to be the vital role that these enthusiastic and knowledgeable local volunteers play in sustaining Scotland’s burgeoning tourist industry.