Police travel plea ahead of Greenock Tall Ships Race

The four-day festival gets under way on Saturday

People attending this weekend's Tall Ships Race in Greenock are being told to make extra travel time amid expected crowds of 100,000 at the official site.

Strathclyde Police advised revellers to use public transport rather than a car and make use of park and ride routes.

Greenock is hosting the second stage of the race, following Waterford, Ireland.

About 60 ships are expected at Greenock's James Watt Dock for the four-day event, which officially gets under way on Saturday.

Ch Sup David Stewart said: "This is one of the most spectacular events that takes place anywhere in the world.

'Majestic ships'

"The sight of all these majestic ships sailing down the Clyde will no doubt attract huge crowds to Greenock over the course of the coming weekend.

"On any one day of the event we could expect to see anywhere up to 100,000 people visiting the official site of the event or simply lining the streets in order to catch a glimpse of the event."

Ch Sup Stewart said the large crowds expected would bring "pressures on the transport system".

He added: "I would strongly encourage people who are visiting the event - or are simply going about their daily business in the area to plan ahead, allow more time for your journey and be patient if you do encounter any delays.

"Park and Ride facilities have been put in place and I would strongly urge people to consider leaving their car behind and using public transport."

All the latest transport information on the event can be accessed on the Traffic Scotland website. Updates will also be made through Twitter.

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