Clyde shipbuilding came to the fore during the early
20th century, with massive output during the First and Second World
Wars. This was followed by decline during the 1960s,
however shipbuilding yards remain open at Govan,
Scotstoun and Greenock. Now the Clyde is experiencing massive
regeneration, finding a new identity as a recreational, residential
and business area.
- The Cunard shipping line was founded in Glasgow and the liners
Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, QE2 and the Royal Yacht Britannia were
all built on the River Clyde at Clydebank.
- Geenock-born James Watt invented the separate condenser after a
walk along the river on Glasgow Green in 1765, an invention which
made the steam engine economically viable.
- The Waverley, the world's last ocean-going paddle steamer was
built in 1947 by A & J Inglis on the River Clyde in Glasgow. It
remains on the Clyde today, where countless passengers continue to
enjoy a trip 'doon the watter'.
- Billy Connolly, the comedian and actor, was born in Partick in
Glasgow in 1942 and worked in a Clyde shipyard before taking to the
stage.
- The Clyde tunnel took seven years to build. Work began in July
1957 and the first tunnel opened in July 1963. It is 21 feet below
the river surface and approximately seven football pitches
long.
- It is not known when the River Clyde was first navigated, but
steamboat traffic began with the launch in 1812 of the Comet, which
ran between Glasgow and Greenock.
- Construction of the Kingston Bridge over the Clyde started in
1967. It was opened in 1970 and today more than 150,000 vehicles
cross the bridge daily.