Inverclyde Council is pursuing a strategy to attract migrants and refugees to Greenock, aiming to counteract a significant and ongoing population decline. The number of residents in Inverclyde has decreased by 22,000 since 1981, with projections indicating a further 16% fall over the next two decades from its current population of 78,000.
The council's repopulation plan focuses on encouraging legal migrants and those granted refugee status to settle in the area. Support offered includes English classes and assistance in accessing skilled employment. Schools are also being supported to provide an inclusive "anti-racist education."
Many African migrants have been drawn to Greenock by affordable housing, often working or studying in Glasgow or Paisley, and bolstering the health and care workforce. However, the town has experienced substantial job losses, with 1,500 jobs vanishing in the past four years and a local shipyard recently announcing workforce cuts. Some residents express scepticism about the sustainability of an influx of new people given the existing lack of employment opportunities.
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney is scheduled to visit Greenock this month to hear about the challenges facing the community.