Return to the Clyde

day 24 Thursday 10 June 
Return to the Clyde

We had to return to Glasgow to see the Clydebuilt Museum at Braehead (an old shipbuilding area downstream on the south bank of the Clyde – now a huge shopping centre). It was a couple of hours on a motorway but it was quite nice, with one model of a S&B tug (Warrior).  We talked to Ian and showed him the CD of Steel family history and the S&B centenary booklet. A book by Len Paterson had errors – “Steele & Bennie”!!  We offered to send information on the tugs in due course. 

Tug boat Warrior with the distinctive Steel & Bennie funnel

tug passing the Customs House at Greenock

The Customs House at Greenock

We drove on in rain to Greenock where we found that the Customs House was built about 1819 so James Steel did not work there. Previous to it, they were in houses or something. But their museum was good and a welcome reception. Then we walked around Greenock looking for the McLean museum with an exhibition of maritime art, so we saw more of the town and the museum itself was worth looking at, especially when we got to a silverware exhibit which featured John Heron, our ancestor. – spoons, drink labels on chains etc. – very pleasing!  It was good work.  There was a bound copy of the S&B centenary booklet in the library there, along with a lot of local history stuff. 

 We did not photograph the silverware itself.

We sent a postcard to Alf and Meg. Then, around 5 pm, it was time to head for New Lanark. A long drive back in rain & traffic (2 hours). A lot of patient navigating by Dick who was pretty good at it by this time. Our warden Brian, was expecting an invasion of school kids next day and convinced us to go on to Melrose after Edinburgh instead of spending a second night there. This suited me and we headed off next day with his advice and directions.

Next time we should find Kircaldy and Auchterderran and where Agnes and Lizzie died in Edinburgh. We should also find out more about Rev David Scott and Alice Hart.