New Venues Celebrate Inverclyde’s Marine Heritage for Doors Open Day
Inverclyde’s long and proud maritime heritage will be celebrated as part of this year’s increasingly popular Doors Open Days.
Two new venues at the centre of some of the most famous and historic shipbuilding on the River Clyde will be open to the public for the first time this year on pre-bookable tours.
The Inchgreen dry-dock in Greenock was one of the largest dry docks in the world.
Measuring 305 metres by 45 metres it can accommodate ships of up to 150,000 tons and played host to the famous liners RMS Queen Elizabeth and RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 .
Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow is the last commercial shipyard on the Clyde. Dating back to 1790 the yard is set to be transformed into one of the most advanced shipyards in the world thanks to the investment of Scottish entrepreneur Jim McColl.
Inverclyde Council’s Environment & Regeneration Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: “These new venues are exactly what Doors Open Days is all about. It is very rare for the public to get the opportunity to see these kind of facilities for themselves. Given the importance of shipbuilding and the sea to Inverclyde’s history and heritage I am sure they will prove to be extremely popular.”
Nearly 40 of Inverclyde’s most interesting venues will be taking part in this year’s Doors Open Days.
Part of a Scotland-wide event, members of the public will have free access to 38 locations including Inverclyde Council’s materials recycling facility, the Dutch Gable House in William Street and the Tobacco Warehouse.
Inverclyde Tourist Group will also be running four bus tours around the area, including one along the route of the Heritage Inverclyde Coastal trail and another featuring Loch Thom and the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre tour which includes a 40-minute walk led by Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers.
Inverclyde’s Doors Open Days take place on Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September 2015.
Full details can be found at www.doorsopendays.org.uk or www.inverclyde.gov.uk/events
Inchgreen Dry Dock: Age limit minimum 7 years old. All must be fit and able to walk unaided down 75 steps and then up 75 steps. Hard hats and hi visibility vests will be provided. The tour should take approximately 30 minutes. Parking is available at the site or if travelling by train alight at Bogston Station. All visitors need to wear sensible footwear. To book a place on the tour phone 01475 715564.
Fergsuon Marine: As a working shipyard this venue is not suitable for anyone with mobility restrictions. All visitors must be over 16 and be prepared to wear hard hat, boot covers and safety glasses. To book a place on this tour, please phone 01475 715564.
Photo: Councillor Michael McCormick at Inchgreen Dry Dock