Our proud industrial past
When the Comet, the world’s first commercial steamship was launched on the River Clyde in 1812, Scotland's reputation as a centre for shipbuilding excellence was firmly secured.
By the 1940s, the Clyde waterfront was alive with cargo ships and pleasure boats. People not only enjoyed and benefited from the Clyde’s activity, they were central to it.
For decades the river was the powerhouse of Scotland and Clydeside was the birthplace of a number of historic ships.
The Clyde Waterfront Heritage website contains further information about the history of the Clyde and details of places to visit along the 20km of river from Glasgow Green to Dumbarton.
As an industrial giant of the past, the River Clyde’s proud heritage is well documented in pictures. You can view a selection of video clips and archive photographs which highlights the river’s rich history.