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Eric Baxter • Published 31 Jul 2010 14:00
INVERCLYDE people are being offered a unique chance to visit a ship built by Scott Lithgow.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary stores ship Fort Rosalie, which saw service during the Falklands War, will be berthed at the Ocean Terminal on Saturday 4 September, and the public will be allowed to go on board.
The visit was arranged by The Friends of Scott's Shipbuilders, a number of retired senior managers who were involved in the building of the ship, which was known as Fort Grange when she was launched in December 1976.
The Navy changed the name in 2000 to avoid confusion with a later vessel, the RFA Fort George.
Andy Gunn, chairman of the Friends, said Fort Rosalie is expected to remain in service until 2020.
He said: "Fort Rosalie and her sister ship, Fort Austin, were two of the finest ships ever built by Scotts.
"This visit is unique. It is the first time a Scotts-built ship has come back to Inverclyde for the public to view. It is a one-off occasion. The public are invited in to see ships being launched, but few people have the opportunity to see and witness the skills and workmanship of the finished product. Ships will always be of great interest and fascination to so many. It is with pleasure and pride when folks tell you they were on 'that ship'."
Mr Gunn, who was electrical installation manager at Scotts, said Greenock and Port Glasgow was famed the world over for its excellence in shipbuilding, and also the local manufacturing base associated with the industry, for example Hastie's Steering Gear.
"It is only now being fully appreciated what its value meant to the area," he said. "With the exception of Ferguson Shipbuilders, it is now, sadly, in the history books."
He said both Fort Rosalie and Fort Austin have operated for many years in and out of the Clyde to Loch Long, often anchoring brightly lit up at the Tail of the Bank.
Fort Rosalie will dock at Ocean Terminal at 6pm on 3 September and will be open to the public the following day from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free and entrance is from Campbell Street.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 31 Jul 10
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