A DEVASTATED community campaigner fought back the tears as she watched the iconic Comet Replica being dismantled.

Marilyn Cameron, of Slaemuir Tenants and Residents' Association, described it as a 'sad day for Port Glasgow'.

The senior citizen says she is furious that the 1962 replica of the famous paddle steamer was left to fall apart in recent times through sheer neglect.

Its engine and paddles were removed in an operation yesterday and all that remains now is a rotting hulk.

Marilyn, of Auchenbothie Road, said: "I am absolutely devastated to see it go, I feel terrible about it.

"How could the councillors not have built something like a canopy to protect it from our Scottish weather?

"This is our history, being left to rot.

"I am furious with the councillors for not looking after it.

"This is our heritage and they've neglected it.

"It is what symbolises our proud maritime heritage."

The replica was built in 1962 to mark the 150th anniversary of the original paddle steamer.

The original was built in 1812 in John Wood Shipyard in Port Glasgow, by Henry Bell and was Europe's first commercial paddle steamer.

The replica underwent a major overhaul at Ferguson's shipyard just over a decade ago.

But this investment was squandered when the council abandoned a plan to put a protective canopy over her.

Having been exposed to the elements, the boat has fallen into a state of disrepair and she was condemned three years ago.

There is still no plan in place for a replacement despite years of talks.

Marilyn said: "I remember seeing old photographs when the original boat was launched and there was a big parade in John Wood Street and hundreds of people came out to celebrate.

"This was built for the future and we couldn't even preserve the replica."

As a schoolgirl Marilyn remembers doing a class project on the replica.

She said: "We did a project at the old St Stephen's. Now younger generations won't even know what it is.

"I hope I live long enough to see another ship being built."

Video by George Munro