Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Now the great shipyards of the Clyde are mostly derelict and empty. The remains of a once-mighty industry in-
clude just a handful of companies still operating along the Clyde.
GREENOCK & GOUROCK
POP 57,500
Fused together these days, the towns of Gourock and Greenock were always warming
sights to a Glasgow mariner's heart as their ships rounded the point from the Firth of
Clyde into the river proper and thence to home. Gourock's firthside views are spectacular,
and Greenock's historical buildings - despite the scrappy shopping complexes in its centre
- invite a stop. In summer and on fine days, these become little resort towns for Glasgow
families looking for a day out.
The
McLean Museum & Art Gallery
(
01475 715624;
www.inverclyde.gov.uk
;
15
Kelly St; admission free; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat)
in the historic centre of Greenock is well
worth checking out. There's quite an extensive collection, with displays charting the his-
tory of steam power and Clyde shipping. There's also a pictorial history of Greenock
through the ages, while upstairs are very good temporary exhibitions and small displays
from China, Japan and Egypt. The natural history section highlights the sad reality of spe-
cies extinction in the modern world. There are free internet terminals here.
Greenock was the birthplace of
James Watt
, the inventor whose work on the steam en-
gine was one of the key developments of the Industrial Revolution. A statue of him marks
his birthplace; behind this looms the spectacular Italian-style
Victoria Tower
on the mu-
nicipal buildings, constructed in 1886.
Sleeping & Eating
Tontine Hotel££
(
01475-723316;
www.tontinehotel.co.uk
; 6 Ard-gowan Sq; s/d £65/75, superior s/d
£85/95; )
Spend the extra for the superior rooms at this noble hotel in the nicest part
of Greenock. These spacious chambers are in the old part of the building, and have been
recently refurbished, with good bathrooms. The standard rooms are good too, but just
don't have the same appeal. Staff are very welcoming; book ahead in summer.
HOTEL
Spinnaker Hotel££
HOTEL
