I wonder how many of you attended the Grand Prix of the Sea event last weekend?

A range of speedboats and jet-skis were on show in Greenock as the owners met to take part in the water festival.

Although the weather was rather inclement, it was a great event.

Had the weather been just a little calmer, you could have imagined you were abroad. Well, okay, you would have had to have a great imagination but the venue had everything else going for it.

The event ran from one end of the esplanade to the other and, judging by the number of cars parked up on the streets and in Battery Park, I’m sure the organisers would have been pleased with the turnout.

Whilst I enjoyed the skill and showmanship of those taking part, it did get me wondering about what ever happened to the plans for a marina at Erskine.

Back in the 1970s, those living in Erskine were told it would be at Erskine Harbour but, other than more houses, this venture has never seen the light of day.

I also remember attending a water-based event at Firhill Basin a few years back, where the organisers put on a mini-display of Glasgow’s iconic buildings, which lit up at dusk and floated along the basin on barge-type craft.

And that got me thinking again as to why we couldn’t use that natural resource which passes by our local communities.

Nowadays, there is not so much water traffic on the River Clyde, so why don’t we use it to our advantage?

Other areas seem to be coming up with unusual events to attract folk, so why can’t we do the same?

Small passenger craft could take people up and down the river to places like Renfrew, Braehead and Glasgow or down the river to any number of places, such as Largs, Helensburgh or anywhere in between.

With a little imagination, some funding and the support of those who are interested in improving our communities, I reckon we could make a go of it.