The area around the Clyde
estuary seems to be full of places associated with pioneering and
invention. In the case of Greenock, it
could be said that it was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, since Greenock was the birthplace in 1736 of James Watt, who
perfected the steam engine. Watt's
father was in shipbuilding, which in those days was already an important part
of the economy, but as is the case elsewhere this activity has since declined. The British Pathe website has a number of archive videos from Greenock's shipbuilding days. Those who want to find out more about
James Watt and Greenock's past can head to the McLean Art Gallery and Museum. The Custom House, designed in 1818 by William
Burn, is a magnificent building which was captured in a painting by Robert
Salmon and which is housed in the McLean
Museum. As well as housing customs offices, there was
a customs and excise museum on the premises.
Sadly, as part of a rationalisation exercise on the part of HMRC, and in
spite of fierce opposition by staff, unions and local politicians, the building
ceased to be used in 2010 and now lies empty. However, there have since been renewed signs
of life on Customhouse Quay, which is home to a new arts centre called the
Beacon Arts Centre, with performance spaces and a bistro/bar. One of Greenock's most prominent landmarks is
Victoria Tower, which is 75 metres tall and was
completed in 1886. The tower forms part
of the Italianate Municipal Buildings. The Old West Kirk on the Esplanade has
fine stained glass by artists including Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Greenock's
wartime contributions included the Clyde Torpedo Factory, which opened in
1910. Later, during the Second World
War, Greenock suffered badly, most notably in
May 1941 when the town experienced its own "blitz". TV buffs may be interested to know that since
2012 Greenock has been the setting for the BBC drama Waterloo Road, with filming taking place
at the Greenock Academy.
Webcam view from Victoria Tower.
Map of the area.
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| Custom House, Customhouse Quay Greenock - geograph.org.uk - 1395286. Photo by John Ferguson, via Wikimedia Commons |
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