HELENSBURGH politicians have given a predictably mixed response to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit speech on Tuesday.

Mrs May said the UK would not seek to remain part of the European single market, but that she would push for the "freest possible trade".

The town's MP, Brendan O'Hara, said Scotland's worst fears had been confirmed, while Jackie Baillie MSP warned she would oppose any attempt by the SNP to force another independence referendum on the back of Mrs May's plans.

And MSP Maurice Corry said Mrs May's stance was in the interests of all of the UK.

Mr O'Hara said: "Brexit may seem a very distant drama on TV but will ripple through every aspect of our life from doing our weekly shop, to using the services we all rely on. "Argyll and Bute receives many millions [of pounds] directly from various European funds and our voluntary organisations will have to look elsewhere post-2020. “The UK government may have assured these funds until then but thereafter we are in the dark and Helensburgh is not immune to the potential repercussions.”

Jackie Baillie MSP commented: “Most people in Helensburgh and Lomond voted to stay in both the EU and the United Kingdom. That’s why I want a deal which secures Scotland’s close links with Europe while remaining within the UK.

“Most economists say that leaving the single market will have a negative impact on businesses and jobs in Scotland but leaving the UK would be even worse.

“It simply doesn’t make any sense to break ties with our largest trading partner, the rest of the UK, at a time when there is already so much uncertainty in the economy.

“In my view, having access to the single market whilst remaining in the UK would be the best option.

“ I will oppose any attempts by the SNP to force another independence referendum on the people of Helensburgh and Lomond.”

MSP Maurice Corry said: "Theresa May spoke very well yesterday regarding Brexit. She explained clearly the stance the UK is taking, which is in the interests of the whole of the UK.

"The SNP and Greens have consistently been talking about “soft Brexit” and “hard Brexit”, the truth is there only is Brexit or no Brexit, and the country voted as one for Brexit.

"It is inspiring the number of countries keen to engage in trade deals with us, the opportunities are becoming clear.

"Theresa May also made very clear the UK Governments commitment to respect the desires of each country within the UK, and was noted that many of the SNP demands were confirmed, including the protection of workers' rights, and the protection of rights for EU citizens in Britain."