Hardworking volunteers for the Inverclyde Tourist Group are kicking off the new cruise ship season in style thanks to new custom-built trolleys.

The group, which boasts around 50 members, are regulars at Greenock Ocean Terminal visitor centre to greet cruise ship passengers as they disembark with information about what they can see and do in Inverclyde.

Previously, they relied on shopping trolleys and a folding table to transport and display all their leaflets and maps.

But now, thanks to a grant from Inverclyde Council, they can use new custom-built wooden trolleys, which were made by volunteers at Inverclyde Shed, Peter Miller and Jim Barclay.

And they’ve taken delivery of their new display units in time for the start of the 2024 cruise ship season, which officially began with the Regal Princess arriving on Friday April 26, boasting more than 3,000 passengers.

Inverclyde’s vice-convener of Environment and Regeneration, Councillor Paul Cassidy, said: “The dedicated volunteers at Inverclyde Tourist Group do a wonderful job and we are very grateful for their hard work.

“They are fantastic ambassadors for Inverclyde and their efforts are pivotal in showcasing the beauty and charm of Inverclyde to visitors far and wide, and now they have the right tools for the job.

“As well as this wooden storage trolley, we’ve supported and empowered the group with new maps and leaflets which is an investment in their ability to effectively promote Inverclyde’s treasures. We also recently supported them on their training day ahead of the new busy tourist season.

“We are happy to support the group and hope they enjoy the upcoming season where their enthusiasm will undoubtedly inspire even more people to discover the wonders of Inverclyde.”

Cecile Fleming, chair of the Inverclyde Tourist Group, added: “The trolleys have made a big difference. We can organise all our information and as they are larger than what we had before, we can be more visible. It looks so much better as well.

“We are very grateful to Inverclyde Shed for making the trolleys and to Inverclyde Council for all their support.

“It will make life much easier for our members to see all the leaflets and help cruise ship passengers who want to see more of Inverclyde.”