Titan Clydebank

Titan Clydebank refers to a giant cantilever crane situated on the site of the former John Brown & Company shipyard on the River Clyde at Clydebank.

The shipyard was also known as U.C.S (Upper Clyde Shipbuilders) after it was consolidated with other shipyards on the River Clyde. Later names for the yard also included U.I.E and Marathon Shipbuilding.

Construction on the crane began in 1906; and was completed in the following year, 1907. The construction work was contracted to a Dalmarnock based engineering company, Sir William Arrol & Co..

During the 1980s the crane (along with four others on the River Clyde) was recognised as a Grade A Listed historical structure.

Now, the crane operates as a tourist attraction which allows visitors to access the jib and motor house a part of a tour guided experience. The initiative to restore and renovate the crane was carried out by an urban regeneration company known as Clydebank Re-Built. The entire cost of the restoration project was £3 million pounds.

The 2007 (opening) season was ran on a day to day basis by a team of heritage staff. Their backgrounds were varied and included ;

* Teachers / Historians.
* Business / Tourism Workers.
* Ex Shipyard Workers.

The crane ceases to operate as a visitors attraction over the winter months and instead only accommodates private bookings. For the year 2008, the crane will re-open on a date between March - May. The view from the crane and the visitor experience can be [http://www.scotlandontv.tv/scotland_on_tv/video.html?vxSiteId=60fdd544-9c52-4e17-be7e-57a2a2d76992&vxChannel=Visit%20Places&vxClipId=1380_SMG948&vxBitrate=300 enjoyed online] .

Of 6 giant cantilever cranes built on the Clyde, four are still in existance including the Finnieston Crane

External links

* [http://www.titanclydebank.com/ Titan Clydebank Website]
* [http://www.level-two.co.uk/report.php?locname=titan Climbing Greenock's Titan]
* [http://www.clydebankrebuilt.co.uk/ Clydebank Rebuilt Website]
* [http://www.bebo.com/titan-clydebank/ Titan Clydebank Bebo Page]