Virtual Inverclyde

Come and visit some of Inverclyde's great places - virtually!  It doesn't matter whether you live nearby or on the other side of the world, you can still get a glimpse of what Inverclyde has to offer both tourists and locals alike.  They might be closed at the moment, but put them on your list for future visits.

Let's start with the fabulous Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum situated in part of Greenock's Municipal Buildings on Dalrymple Street.  A 4 Star Visit Scotland attraction is a great place to visit and talk to the wonderful volunteers who are always pleased to answer any questions.  Online, there's a short introductory talk by Graeme Kirkwood as well as a gallery showing photographs of many of the Museum's exhibits.  There are vintage fire appliances, lots of old photographs and a wonderful display of Fire Marks to view.  Please check their website to find out when they will reopen.

Didn't have a chance to visit the newly refurbished Watt Institution on Union Street and Kelly Street in Greenock before lockdown?  Don't worry!  There's a fabulous article in Architects' Journal (June 2020) - which shows lots of photographs of the building which is now an amazingly bright and up to date space.  Most of the original features of the buildings (formerly the Watt Library and McLean Museum and Art Gallery) have been incorporated into this truly amazing space.  Follow the Watt Institution on Facebook where you can also see photographs from the article as well as lots of interesting articles, photographs and links which will be of interest not just to locals, but to anyone interested in the history and culture of the west of Scotland.
Please check the Inverclyde Council website to find out when the Watt Institution will reopen. 

See Inverclyde as you've probably never seen it before in the fabulous Tour of Inverclyde, Scotland by Drone on YouTube.  Posted by Jim Phanco, Greenock Drone Guy, it shows aerial footage of Inverclyde in all its beauty.  There are some fantastic views of all part of Inverclyde in this lovely film.

Source - Inverclyde Heritage Hub

If you remember Greenock in the 1960s and 70s then you will enjoy Inverclyde TV's great film called A Walk Through Time which blends together Eugene Mehat's photographs of Greenock in the 1960s with present day images.  It was made by Chris Bradley of West College Scotland.  There are other local heritage stories which can be viewed on the same page.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed some of these virtual jaunts around Inverclyde and I sincerely hope that it won't be too long until we can all go and visit our favourite places whenever we choose.

If you have any questions about Inverclyde then please get in touch - thegreenockian(at)gmail.com.