Back to the future

March 29th, 2010

Your success is our success.

That was my message to the students at James Watt College who were celebrating their graduation this week.

I was given the honour of donning the robes and addressing the graduates and their proud family and friends, who brought our town hall to life this week.

I put it to them that their achievements were very much in keeping with the tradition and experience of Inverclyde.

As a community, we have overcome the decline of industry time and time again by reinventing ourselves.

Our success was built on rope, sail, textiles and sugar, but learnt how to make ships and microchips over the years and in turn Cigna, T-Mobile, RBS have become the major employers.

And who would bet against 2020 Renewables, the firm launched at Clyde View this week, becoming the IBM or the Scott and Lithgow of the future?

The transformation of Inverclyde continues, with new homes to buy and rent, a new school for every child, new businesses being attracted to our waterfront and even a new theatre to look forward to.

But to maintain that renewal, we need more than bricks and mortar – we need people to participate in the regeneration game.

We need people that are up for the challenge, learning new skills, creating new jobs and raising expectations in the community.

And these students, through their hard work, creativity and enthusiasm, have taken the first steps to achieve that.

It is that vibrancy and work ethic which will be integral in driving our new industries and sustaining our community.

So this was a proud day for these graduates and their families but we can all celebrate their achievements with equal enthusiasm as their endeavours will ensure the continued regenernation and renewal of our area.