A powerboat grand prix race being held in Scotland for the first time will bring "significant benefits" to the economy, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Greenock's esplanade is to host the P1 Powerboat and Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea in June next year.

To celebrate the newest addition to Scotland's racing calendar, the First Minister unveiled a specially-branded Inverclyde powerboat, which will compete in the Greenock event and others in the championship at Scarborough, Gosport, Cardiff and Bournemouth.

Ms Sturgeon said: "This major event will attract tens of thousands of powerboat racing fans to Inverclyde, an area with a rich maritime history.

"Visitors to the area are guaranteed a friendly welcome and the event is expected to bring significant benefits to the local economy.

"The River Clyde will provide a magnificent backdrop for all the races, which will be broadcast live on TV across the UK."

Inverclyde Council will host the event jointly with the Riverside Inverclyde regeneration company

Robert Moran, provost of Inverclyde, said: "The P1 Powerboat is an exhilarating event and it is a great honour that Inverclyde is able to bring the Grand Prix of the Sea to Scotland for the very first time.

"The new Inverclyde-branded boat will race in the waters of the Clyde and across the UK to help to showcase Inverclyde and Scotland."

Gerry McCarthy, chair of Riverside Inverclyde, said: "Having a Grand Prix of the Sea at Greenock's esplanade is really exciting - especially when there is an Inverclyde boat we can cheer on.

"I'm sure the people of Inverclyde and beyond will give this first-ever Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea great support.

"Riverside Inverclyde is proud to be able to present this event as co-hosts with Inverclyde Council."