AMBITIOUS plans have been proposed to regenerate Alloa Harbour and encourage Clacks families to enjoy the Forth.

John Young, of Vital Spark Racing, has submitted his plans to Clacks Council and is hoping to see the waterfront reinvigorated.

He feels the are could become both an attraction and an ideal location to help teach visitors about Wee County history.

There are plans to build a small café and museum, along with toilets and changing areas for those looking to take part in water-based activities.

Vital Spark Racing is a community interest company (CIC) launched in 2020 during the Covid-19 outbreak and is now looking to take full advantage of the location.

John said: "It's so when people visit the harbour, there's actually something to see; the river's got a bit of life to it."

He has submitted proposals to Clacks Council and had meetings with officials and elected members.

The café will also double as a gallery for local artists and craftspeople to display their work for visitors to see.

Outdoor seating in front of the café building will also give visitors a place to rest and watch the activities happening on the Forth.

John continued: "Our main concern is to involve the community and we are determined to start water activities to make the whole river become alive.

"At the moment there is nothing on the river that is exciting, nothing that makes people want to come along and have a look.

"We're hoping to change all of that by getting activities out there."

John's ambitious plans will also see the installation of floating pontoons which will allow sea craft to be moored up, encouraging boat owners from further down the river to visit and enjoy the scenic, historic venue together with nearby Alloa facilities and significant landmarks.

John, Melanie Forrest and Daniel Drummond, the company's directors, are "so excited" about the plans.

"It's a brilliant project," John continued. "There's great ideas going on at the moment."

It is hoped the Alloa Harbour regeneration will attract new external and local visitors to the site to enjoy the facilities and activities on the water and also form a hub for Vital Spark Racing to involve local community activities and volunteering opportunities expanding its core aim of helping to improve the lives of people within Clackmannanshire.

To learn more about the company or to keep updated with the plans for Alloa Harbour, search Vital Spark Racing on Facebook.