FERRY operator Caledonian MacBrayne has committed to supporting the Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea when the free, two-day event returns to Greenock this summer.

Headquartered in Gourock, CalMac runs the passenger and vehicle ferries covering the Clyde and Hebridean regions. The Scottish Grand Prix – the second round of the P1 UK race series – takes place in neighbouring Greenock.

Co-hosted by Riverside Inverclyde and Inverclyde Council with support from EventScotland, the event in Greenock on Saturday June 24 and 25 June will be the second round of the P1 UK race series.

P1 managing director, Robert Wicks, said: “CalMac has a long history of supporting community events and is the perfect partner to again help us make a significant economic and social impact in the region through the continued development of Scottish marine tourism.

“Partnerships are at the heart of the P1 business model and we work with sponsors and local businesses to attract visitors to the area, boost the economy and activate our race event to support Inverclyde’s successful re-imaging and regeneration programme.

Graeme McFarlane, director of customer sales and marketing at CalMac, added: “As a major local employer with deep roots in Inverclyde, we are delighted to be supporting this event for the second year in a row. Last year we received lots of positive feedback for our involvement as well as excellent profile in the media.”