Published: Tuesday, 20th October, 2009 2:00pm

IN VIDEO: QM2's great send-off

by Russell Steele

Print | Email

QUEEN Mary 2 was given a glittering goodbye at the end of her first Greenock visit - thanks to a fanfare of fabulous fireworks.

A dazzling display lit up the early evening sky over Inverclyde last night and provided a fitting finale to a day which saw 8,000 people flock to the waterfront to see the biggest ship to visit the River Clyde.

Despite the overcast weather and outbreaks of rain, a steady stream of people went into the special viewing area set up at Ocean Terminal by Clydeport.

There, visitors were able to get a closer look at the enormous 150,000 tonne luxury liner, in exchange for a donation to Ardgowan Hospice.

Nearby, people parked their cars on the Esplanade for a glimpse of Cunard's sublime standard-bearer, with many clutching cameras to capture a memento of the historic day.

Traffic started to build up in Greenock town centre from late afternoon, as people gathered to watch the fireworks display, which began at 6.30pm.

A burst of picturesque pyrotechnics and a crescendo of crackling noise thrilled spectators.

The spectacular display was also watched by 5,000 spectators and most of the ship's 2,500 plus passengers.

As the thundering noise of the fireworks subsided, the QM2 gently eased away from Ocean Terminal and went on her way with a loud blast of her horn.

The QM2 slipped serenely down river, watched by those gathered on Greenock's Esplanade, while other sightseers perched themselves on Lyle Hill and Gourock's Tower Hill for a grandstand view.

Police Chief Inspector Graeme MacDiarmid said: "By early afternoon there had been a crowd of around 3,000 people."

The QM2 is set to arrive in Liverpool today as she continues her fifth anniversary tour of the UK.

Her master, Commodore Bernard Warner, said: "She is the largest ship ever to enter the Clyde.

"We very much hope this visit will be the first of many."