An Industrial Past — Lens-Artists Challenge #199

Hi all 😃 My entry for this weeks challenge, set by John of Journeys With Johnbo.

The central belt area of Scotland, from the River Clyde, across to the Forth Estuary was at the forefront of industry in the past.

The docks in Glasgow saw such ships as the Glenlee, a three masted sailing ship, but with engines & mechanical windlasses.

Here you can see old dock buildings on the Clyde with the new Transport Museum & masts of the Glenlee in the background.

Old dock buildings in Glasgow

The Padlle Steamer Waverley is the last seagoing passenger ship of its type in the world. She still runs sight seeing excursions on the Clyde & Clyde Estuary.

Waverley Paddle Steamer alongside Glasgow Science Centre

Caledonia Macbrayne (known locally as CalMac) ferries are the modern vessels serving the highlands & islands of Scotland.

CalMac ferry at Largs
CalMac ferry at Largs

The Finnieston Crane is another symbol of the Clyde’s industrial past.

Finniston crane
Finnieston Crane

The ornate Templeton Building near Glasgow Green was once a carpet factory, now home to offices & apartments.

Templeton Building
Templeton Building

The next three pics all link to the canals, a vital link between West & East.

Original horse power
Original horse power
Lock 20 on the Forth & Clyde Canal
Lock 20 on the Forth & Clyde Canal
The Kelpies -- a memorial to the heavy horse of the industrial era
The Kelpies — a memorial to the heavy horse of the industrial era

The Falkirk Wheel has to be seen to be believed; this modern marvel of engineering, it lifts boats from the Forth & Clyde Canal up to the Union Canal & vice versa.

Lensy’s been seen at the Falkirk wheel on occasion 😉.

22 thoughts on “An Industrial Past — Lens-Artists Challenge #199

  1. Great pictures, Jez, especially the Glenlee – such a beautiful ship. Am guessing it was designed to be versatile in all kinds of weather conditions.

    1. Thanks, Sylvia 😊 It certainly was designed for all conditions; could rely solely on sail power given the right conditions but with an to get her through the Doldrums & in & out of harbour 😃

  2. I really enjoyed this journey you took on us, Jez. Some of this is so familiar to me. My first voyage on a tall ship was on SS Malcolm Miller in 1992, from and to Glasgow — my maiden helming experience was along the Clyde! And when I lived in London, I did a day trip on the Waverley, a marvellous old ship. And CalMac ferries, well, they were in my plan for a 2020 walking holiday in the Hebrides; alas, Covid had other plans, and that never happened. Thanks for bringing back my memories.

    1. It’s awesome that you know so much of the places featured 👏 Hopefully you’ll still be able to get to the Hebrides, I’ve always loved it there 😃 I know the Clyde quite well from my time as a navigator & that’s quite a feat to say your maiden helming time was on the Clyde 😁

  3. Oh my Jez – the Falkirk wheel!!!! What an incredible structure. I cannot imagine how it was ever more than a sparkle in someone’s eye! And what a marvelous opportunity for Lensy. Fabulous!!!

  4. The shipping industry (with real ships) is as important today as it ever was. You have captured some interesting images from your region. I’d love to take a ride on that steamship.
    I’m glad to see Lensy hasn’t missed any opportunities, as well.

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