Shipyard souvenir on display
Paul John Coulter • Published 22 Aug 2012 16:00
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TRIBUTE: Dignitaries and officials gather as the plaque marking centuries of shipbuilding is handed over to the McLean Museum.
A UNIQUE souvenir to mark 300 years of a world-famous local shipyard has gone on display in Greenock.
The Friends of Scotts' Shipbuilders group presented a hand-made plaque to the McLean Museum, to mark the three centuries that have passed since the start of the company in 1711.
The memento was also donated in recognition of Inverclyde Council's support in the 2010 celebratory visit of Scotts-built Royal Fleet Auxiliary stores ship Fort Rosalie, originally named Fort Grange, to the town's Ocean Terminal.
It also recognises the council-run McLean exhibition, 'History of Scotts', which was held at the museum last year.
Provost Robert Moran accepted the plaque on behalf of the council and it will now be displayed in a prominent place in the museum, highlighting the unique history of the Scott family and their shipbuilding legacy.
Andy Gunn, of Gourock, on behalf of the Friends of Scotts' Shipbuilders, made the presentation to Provost Moran and Val Boa, curator of McLean Museum.
Mr Gunn said: "The Scott family were extremely proud of their roots in Greenock. The most important fact that bonded Scotts' and Greenock is a record which is never likely to be matched.
"In the history of manufacturing it is unique for one family, in the direct line of succession, to maintain continuity of production in the same locality for 267 years - a record unlikely to be repeated by any company, not only in the UK, but across the world.
"The group were of the view that this unique record and the 237-year partnership with the council merits recognition."
The Friends of Scotts' Shipbuilders is made up of a number of retired senior managers who worked at Scotts.
The commemorative board they have handed over to the museum is split into three parts and gives a brief account of the history of the Greenock shipbuilder's and the Scott family.
Mr Gunn said: "The history of Scotts' is so comprehensive that it is impossible to tell the story in a single presentation.
"While acknowledging that time moves on, the board will be there for future generations to look back on and realise and appreciate how much it all meant to the community life in the area."
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 22 Aug 12
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