A COUNCILLOR who served as an apprentice in a local yard has told of his pride after officially opening the huge Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow sculpture in Coronation Park.
Former Provost Robert Moran was one of several ex-shipyard workers who attended a special launch event for the towering 10-metre-tall steel figures.
The Labour politician learned his trade at Scott Lithgow’s local Kingston Yard, before going on to work at others across the UK and the world.
He spoke at Saturday’s event alongside the sculpture’s creator, renowned artist John McKenna, who designed and installed the sculpture, known as 'The Skelpies', to commemorate the shipbuilders of Port Glasgow and the Lower Clyde.
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The artwork was commissioned by Riverside Inverclyde and Inverclyde Council and the design was chosen following a public vote.
Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie and Gavin McDonagh of Riverside Inverclyde also spoke at the event, which featured a screening of a new short film by Chris Fallen, of Hidden Meaning Productions, charting the history of the sculpture from inception to completion.
Following the screening and the speeches, Councillor Moran unveiled a plaque commemorating the opening, which will be mounted on the Shipbuilders at a later date.
The ward two councillor told the Telegraph he had been honoured to be asked to open the sculpture.
He said: “It was a special moment to open the sculptures but after the unveiling I met a lot of my old colleagues who said they were so proud that I had done that.
“That meant a lot to me. It was guys I hadn’t seen for years and we had a good catch-up after.
“I had met John McKenna because of my background and I was very impressed with the standard of his workmanship.
“Stainless steel’s not easy to work with but he’s done a fantastic job to shape it and create these magnificent figures.
“The concept was brilliant and it’s wonderful to have this in the area now.
“To think that so many people are enjoying these sculptures now is incredible.
“Everybody there on Saturday had a story about their father or their grandfather or another relative who had been part of the shipyards, it has importance to everyone.
“You saw people’s pride in their heritage and where they came from.
“It was a big thank-you to everyone who worked in those yards, they helped put this place on the map and it’s fitting to now have something to mark that.”
The Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow figures were installed last year with lighting, benches and landscaping added in stages thereafter to complete the project.
The landmark has proved very popular among the local population as well as day-trippers, passers-by and particularly with amateur and professional photographers.
Mr Moran said that being part of the opening was a highlight of his career as a councillor.
He added: “It was a very proud moment for me, I’ve been fortunate in my career to be involved in a lot of events, like when Queen Elizabeth came to Inverclyde, but this was one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of.
“People will visit the sculptures and stop to think about them when they come to the area.
“I think this is going to be an asset for years and years to come.”
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