A MEMORIAL honouring one of Greenock’s most famous sons has been fully restored — two years after the bust was stolen from the Esplanade.

Inverclyde Council — on behalf of the Local Tourism Partnership — led the restoration project to replace the bust of John Galt and an accompanying plaque, which were both snatched by metal thieves.

They have also refurbished a memorial fountain.

At the official unveiling, leading academic Professor Gerard Carruthers, president of the newly established John Galt Society, praised the local efforts to recognise the importance of the 19th century writer.

Professor Carruthers, from the University of Glasgow’s School of Critical Studies, said: “It is an absolute desecration what happened to the John Galt fountain.

“I think Inverclyde and the council have really led the way in restoring it.

“It is tremendous and it looks wonderful.” Galt was an entrepreneur and later a prolific novelist who wrote about the Industrial Revolution and its impact.

He was born in Irvine in 1779 but moved to Greenock aged 10, where he finished his schooling.

After leaving school, Galt became an apprentice at Greenock Custom House and in 1796 he joined James Miller and Company as a junior clerk.

He moved to London in 1804 and became secretary to the Canada Company.

Galt spent much of his adulthood in Canada, where he founded the city of Guelph and the town of Goderich.

He retired to Greenock, where he did much of his writing, and died in the town in 1839, being buried here in the small cemetery off Inverkip Street.

Professor Carruthers added: “It is a real privilege to have someone like John Galt associated with Greenock.

“There is a huge renewed interest in him.

“We set up the society last year because of the interest in Scotland.

“He was an incredible writer with a great sense of humour and humility.

“He is definitely up there with Burns and he is soon to be rediscovered – his work is set to be reprinted by Pan MacMillan in London.

“To be honest Inverclyde is ahead of the game.” At the ceremony on Esplanade earlier this week a number of local organisations, including the Inverclyde Tourist Group, Greenock Historical Society, Greenock Burns Club and the Rotary Club were represented.

Inverclyde Council funded the £2,000 restoration project and sculptor Wayne Dearnell was commissioned to reproduce the bust.

He said: “It is an honour to be part of a project like this. Public art is all about recognising our culture.” Provost Robert Moran officially unveiled the restored John Galt fountain.

He said: “I am delighted to see this masterpiece restored to its former glory and commemorating the life of John Galt.

“The new bust is a fantastic piece of work by sculptor Wayne Dearnell.”