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During the 1970s and 1980s, the shipbuilding sector in the region experienced a steep decline, culminating in the closure of Tate & Lyle’s last sugar refinery in Greenock in 1997. There was early optimism that the area’s industrial base might be revitalized by technology companies such as IBM. However, the “Silicon Glen” initiative did not meet expectations; IBM gradually reduced its footprint before shutting down its main facility in Spango Valley in 2016.
In the early 2000s, the arrival of an Amazon fulfilment centre in Gourock offered a brief resurgence of employment opportunities. Unfortunately, this facility also closed its doors three years ago, leaving the local economy struggling to recover. McCabe, who heads a minority Labour administration, is urging the government to treat Inverclyde as an exceptional case by introducing targeted incentives to attract new business ventures. According to McCabe, “It’s time for the Scottish government to recognise that Inverclyde is a priority.” He added, “We’ve seen how they responded to other jobs crises in the likes of Grangemouth and Alexander Dennis at Falkirk. They need to recognise the jobs that we’ve lost is so significant that there needs to be special support.”
In response to these economic challenges, a socio-economic taskforce was established four years ago and recommended regeneration plans worth £70 million, some of which have already been funded. Presently, a £24 million project is underway to redevelop central Greenock, primarily financed through the UK’s Levelling Up Fund. Additional investments include approximately £11 million allocated to enhance the Inchgreen Marine Park, a joint initiative between the local council and Peel Ports. However, local campaigners have expressed frustration, noting that the redevelopment has yet to translate into tangible job creation. Recently, another £20 million commitment has been secured from the UK’s Growth Mission Fund to renovate the Inchgreen dry dock—a significant ship repair site that has been largely inactive for almost twenty years—and to establish a maritime training centre.
Despite these setbacks, Green remains optimistic about Inverclyde’s potential, particularly as a hub for regional tourism and hospitality. Highlighting the area’s assets, Green pointed to the unrestricted access to the river, the vast expanse of a 100-square-mile regional park nearby, and an active retail park. He posed the question, “We get 120,000 [cruise ship] passengers in every year – how do we create an economy that secures 20 quid off each of them?” Green also referenced PG 25, a community space on John Wood Street whose shops were originally donated by the former Lithgows shipbuilders. Many of these properties now sit empty awaiting repairs that have delayed their use. He emphasized the need for community support to revitalize these dormant spaces, stating, “The community is going to have to support each other – and these are ideal spaces to do that, currently sitting derelict. We need to put them to use.” In conclusion, Green called for a non-political, coordinated plan involving all stakeholders, appealing directly to John Swinney and others involved, “The biggest message… is that we need some co-ordination that’s not political. We’re needing a plan.
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