In the navy . . again

It seems funny to be writing a post about the launch of a new ship on the Clyde. Back in the day, I guess it would have been a very common event but now its extremely rare - just three ships in the last 3 years as far as I can tell.

It seems odd to be making a big thing about a new ship but at the same time given Glasgow's shipping history and the fact that it is now such an infrequent event, it is also strange that more is not being made of it.

At one time, shipbuilding/ ships were such a major part of Glasgow life (map below) but now its a completly detached area and bears no connection to the average Glasweigans life. This does make me wonder what things that we take for granted as just a part of Glasgow today will have disapeared in the next 50 years. Glasgow with no cars? Glasgow with no shops?

Anyway there is a good article on the BBC telling more about the launch - The launch takes place in Govan today and aparently 5,000 kids are getting out of school to go check it out. Bet they are delighted about that, until they get there and have to stand about in the cold and rain for ages.

[For a history of the Clyde visit the Clydesite website.]