Former election candidate climbed aboard derelict Comet replica

John Burleigh — a retired school technical teacher — has dismissed the opinion of expert naval architects who declared any attempt to repair the replica of Henry Bell's original 1812 paddle steamer would be 'pointless'.

The bunnet-wearing Mr Burleigh used a set of ladders to gain access to the vessel for photos — which he said were taken by a companion sporting a period top hat — during his failed bid to become Greenock and Inverclyde's MSP.

He said: "Anything can be restored — look at Mary Rose or Cutty Sark.

"It can be done, it will be done.

"The troops will rally to this one, they will come out of the woodwork."

John Burleigh Comet

Naval architects I K Macleod & Associates carried out thorough inspection of Comet after being commissioned by Inverclyde Council following a decade of neglect of the icon of the district's maritime heritage.

In a £5,000 study, the experts reported that the little ship's wooden deck is now so rotten it is possible to go through it, and highlighted a plethora of other problems including a danger of parts of the vessel falling on someone.

They concluded: "It is unfortunately too late for a maintenance plan for the existing vessel, the best that can be hoped for is that the machinery can be removed and used on a new replica vessel."

Despite the expert analysis — published last October — Mr Burleigh decided to board Comet and pose for photos which he sent to the Telegraph for publication ahead of polling day.

The council decided months ago to replace Comet and is currently considering a cut-price plastic version of the ship after receiving quotes of between £250,000 and £750,000 for an exact wooden replica.

Mr Burleigh said: "When I hear of a plastic Comet or removing the Comet altogether, as a technical teacher in most of the schools in Inverclyde, and having inspected the ship, I think it could be lovingly restored where it stands.

"Inverclyde is famous for sugar, ships and sails and if a lovely white canvas canopy was made for the Comet, it would protect it from the elements.

John Burleigh Comet

"I'm sure there are skilled volunteers who could train shipwright school leavers to help with the restoration with a couple of containers to store tools and materials."

Port Glasgow councillor Chris Curley, who has argued for a 'Comet Heritage Centre' to be built, described Mr Burleigh's photo stunt as 'disappointing'.

Mr Curley added: "I can only presume that such trespass was related to self-publicity for the recent election.

"The Comet has been located behind a six foot high palisade fence to prevent access since it has been moved to its current location.

"In that time I have never seen any children or youths gain access to the Comet, a sign of respect to our heritage.

"I think Mr Burleigh should have had more responsibility, in other words, the man in the bunnet should not have dunnit."

A council spokesman said: "Mr Burleigh must be aware that the security fence is in place for a reason and we would urge anyone else to not repeat his thoroughly irresponsible actions.

"We are continuing to explore possible alternatives to the Comet replica and at the moment we have no plans to move the replica from its current location."

But Mr Burleigh has refused to rule out conducting another 'inspection' of Comet.

He said: "I had a ladder and was not alone but was assisted by others and I treaded very carefully as I examined the vessel at close quarters to see for myself the extent of the work required.

"I am sorry they take this view in the light of the assistance that may be provided, however, in future I shall seek permission should I require further access."

"I had a ladder in the car to put up election signs and, thinking of one more topical story after constituents complained to me about the plastic boat, I thought it worth going onboard for a closer look."