Greenock
from Plan of Greenock 1899-1900: Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland
Greenock evolved from a fishing community on the Clyde, possibly as early as the 12th century, to become a Burgh of Barony in 1635. Through the centuries, Greenock followed the waxing and waning fortunes of Scotland. Since 1996 it has been the administrative centre of Inverclyde, one of 32 local authorities in Scotland.
The name has been explained in a number of ways; from the Brittonic 'greaenog' meaning gravelly via a Gaelic corruption to 'Grianaig' meaning sunny bay. A later anglicisation suggested the existence of a Green Oak tree. However, the evidence of shingle shore visable at the Esplanade and Modern Gaelic name 'Grianaig' suggest the earliest meaning and name.
Greenock from the South East c 1828-1830 by John Fleming
In the 18th & 19th centuries, the population grew rapidly due to industrialisation and mass migrations from the Highlands and Ireland, bringing large numbers of Gaelic speakers to the town.
Greenock has a long and rich history. A large shipbuilding industry and related suppliers developed from the construction of early fishing busses. As a port, it developed both coastal and international imports and exports, particularly sugar and wool. It was the port of departure for many emigrants to the Americas and the Commonwealth.
Three important topics in Greenock’s development are highlighted below. Links at the bottom of the page will enable further exploration of the town’s history.
The Greenock Cut
Laying the Foundation Stone, James Watt Dock
Sugar Sheds & James Watt Dock Marina
The Greenock Cut not only brought potable water to the town, but was vital as a power source, enabling industrial expansion on a grand scale.
The artificial channel brought water from Loch Thom across and down the hill through a series of water-wheels attached to factories, some of which processed wool, made whisky and flour.
Today, the paths beside the cut provide a popular walking and cycling venue with amazing views of a wide expanse of the river and the surrounding hills.
The foundation stone of the James Watt Dock was laid, with great pomp, in 1861 and opened for business in 1886. It was developed by the Greenock Harbour Trust on the estate of Garvel House to allow expansion of existing dock facilities and included the Garvel Dry Dock.
Garvel House had been built for Baillie James Gammel, a merchant and banker. The house was used as offices after the dock was developed. The house was damaged by fire and demolished in 2004.
The Greenock Sugar Warehouses - locally called ‘The Sugar Sheds’ - was listed as one of the 100 buildings most at risk, by the World Monuments’ Fund. They were built to store raw and processed sugar. In 1765 the first commercial sugar refinery had opened. By the 1870s, local refineries annually processed a quarter of a million tons of sugar, earning Greenock the name of Sugaropolis, the sugar capital of Scotland.
The Sheds are located in James Watt Dock, and are currently in use as storage for the James Watt Dock Marina. In 2011, the Docks and Sheds hosted the second Tall Ships’ Race to visit Greenock.
It is hoped there will be further regeneration of this historic building and that it may be given over (at least in part) to a community project.
James Watt (1736-1819) by John Partridge (1790-1872) after Sir William Beechey (1753-1839)
Greenock has produced a number of notable citizens. Prominent amongst those, with a world-wide reputation, is James Watt, who improved existing steam engines which enabled a notable advance in ship propulsion on the Clyde and across the world and in the modernisation of steam engine driven mills and factories, powering Britain’s industrial revolution.
Discover more notable Greenockians across the arts, industry and commerce here.
Shipyards lined the banks of the River Clyde until massive regeneration of the area followed the closing of the final shipyard in Greenock. In 1922, R.M. Smith wrote about the History of Shipbuilding in Greenock - a very detailed study which celebrates the origins and growth of an industry so vital to the development of the town.
Today, a coastal path running through the many former shipyards of the Lower Clyde, gives superb views, over the river.
In the second half of the the 20th century, digital industries became established in the area. A large IBM plant was built in Spango Valley and it continued to expand until the 1990s. The plant has since been demolished and there are plans for a large regeneration project to replace it.
Scotts’ Shipbuilding and Engineering Co. Ltd.
Further information:
Image: Ginger the Horse by Andy Scott
Copyright images: McLean Museum and Art Gallery: Greenock from the South East, Laying the Foundation Stone, James Watt; R. Stewart: The Greenock Cut