Greenock Sugar Sheds

Built in the 1880's but lying mostly empty for the past 20, the Sugar Sheds were for a long time the hub of the sugar industry in Greenock.

After Tate & Lyle moved out of Greenock this wonderful Grade A listed building fell into neglect and was almost lost when it went on fire in 2006.

The sugar sheds, one of the finest examples of a red brick and cast iron building in the country, caught the public's eye when it was used as a venue for the 2011 Tall Ships Race when it came to Greenock.

Part of the Sugar Sheds  has been opened up for access by Absent Voices, a local art project which tells the story of Greenock's sugar industry. I went along to one of their events to photograph this beautiful building and it's surroundings.

Greenock's Sugar Sheds

Combined images

This was once a busy workplace

Old hinge, new string

Titan crane which would have been used to unload and load visiting ships

River Clyde 4/10/13

A quick stop at East India harbour on my way home from Gareloch paid dividends today.

Two new Western Ferries vessels arrived on the Clyde this morning and ended up at James Watt Dock prior to going into service on the busy Hunter's Quay to McInroy's Point crossing.

Some pictures of Sound of Seil and Sound of Soay passing East India Harbour and entering James Watt Dock.

With the arrivals for Joint Warrior the MOD police launch Lewis was kept busy.

The Vine Trust's hospital ship Jubilee Hope was assisted with a move from the entrance of the drydock to Great Harbour by Clyde Marine tug Beaver Bay.

Today has probably been a busier than average day on the river with a few welcome surprises to make up for the low level of Joint Warroir vessels.

Vos Inspirer

Rescue vessel Vos Inspirer spent a few days in Garvel drydock.

I have to say that she looks so much better than she did when she went in a couple of weeks ago.

After coming out of the drydock she went into James Watt Dock to get her work boats put back in place.

VOS Iona

VOS Iona came up the river last night and is currently in the James Watt Dock, presumably waiting to go into Garvel Drydock.

I nipped along for some pictures of her in the dock.

Greenock today

Well, with the sun shining this afternoon, I thought a trip up the docks would be a good way to while away a couple of hours.

Balmoral showing off her new coat of paint

Tall ships Challenger 1 and Challenger 3

HMS Blyth in the drydock with HMS Penzance hiding behind

Kommander Calum and SD Salmoor

Section of disused Buoy

Waverley & Balmoral coming out of the drydock

All spruced up and ready for the new season and looking fabulous in their new coats of paint.

Tall Ships 2011 - Day 1

All the preparation is over and the ships are here. James Watt Dock hasn't been so busy for many, many years. The sun has come out and tens of thousands of visitors came along to join in the carnival.

To all intents and purposes, the event looks to be a great success, although the ground could have been better prepared in many parts of the site.

I managed to make an early break from work at 6pm and took myself along to join in the event.

Some of the ships moored beside the finger jetty

3 small tall ships

Plenty of pennants on display from previous races

ARC Gloria flying a massive Columbian flag

Several historic fire engines formed a display beside the main entrance to the dock.

Tunnock's beautifully preserved delivery van

Among the free entertainment provided were local folk band The Wherries and almost local Lulu

Kenny and Dave of the Wherries had the sugar sheds rocking

Trying to act serious for the cameraman

Lulu on the main stage

Sunset across Great Harbour

Tall Ships 2011

Today is the first official day of the Tall Ships visit to Greenock. The weather is looking good so far. Unfortunately I am working most of the day, but I am hoping to go over this evening to have a look around the site.

Here are some more of yesterday's arrivals, starting with 2 local ships Alba Explorer and Alba Endevour.

Alba Endevour

Alba Explorer

Rona II

Pelican of London