Coronation Park Memorial Cairn

This monument in Coronation Park in Port Glasgow is in memory of the 20 people who died in a boating accident in the River Clyde on 14 September 1947.

The pleasure motor boat ‘Ocean’ had left from Inchgreen for a trip to Ardentinny on Loch Long.  However the weather became bad and they headed for the more sheltered Gareloch.  As it entered the Gareloch, the boat was swamped by a heavy wave and sunk.

Twenty people, including six members of the Graham family from Port Glasgow, including a two year old child, drowned.  There were only three survivors.

A very fitting memorial overlooking the River Clyde.

Port Glasgow murals

These colourful murals can be found on the wall of Fergus Monk's garage at the West Quay in Port Glasgow. 

They are the work of local artist Jim Strachan who also painted the Broomhill Mural in Greenock.

One of the murals shows fishing boats and the catch being processed on the quay.  The other shows people having fun.

Both murals face the River Clyde and are an unexpected burst of colour on the quayside.

Visit Monday Murals for a glimpse of other murals from around the world.

Family history research in Greenock - places to visit

If you are going to be visiting Greenock and the local area and want to do some family history research then here are some ideas and resources.  First of all, download a local map from the Inverclyde Council website.

Men of the Clyde

The Watt Institution (Watt Library and McLean Museum and Art Gallery) has an outstanding collection of books and resources which can be a great help in family history research.  It is open from 10 till 4 from Wednesday to Saturday (check their site for opening times).  You can check out many of their resources online by following the links here.

Local Churches

You may know from your previous research which church your family was associated with.  Many local churches have changed names over the years or are no longer used as places of worship.  However you can still get photographs of the building and some may be open because they are used as shops or warehouses.  If a church is still open for worship, then if you visit on a Sunday you will be made most welcome.

Some local churches have their own websites -

Lyle Kirk (including the former Ardgowan Parish Church, Finnart St Paul’s Church and Old West Kirk).

St John the Evangelist Episcopal Church (Union Street, Greenock)

St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church (Patrick Street, Greenock)

Inverclyde Cemeteries

Inverclyde Council have a list of local cemeteries.  Most local cemeteries are open every day.  Check the Council website for details.

You can download a brochure from Inverclyde Council which gives lots of information about some of those who are buried in the Duncan Street and Inverkip Street Cemeteries as well as Greenock Cemetery.  There are details of walks which take you around the Cemetery to see some interesting graves.  Of particular interest is the James Watt Memorial Cairn and the grave of Highland Mary, the sweetheart of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns.

Other Local Information

Inverclyde Council have a wide range of maps, brochures and leaflets that can be downloaded from their website.  These are a fabulous resource for visitors and locals alike.

Port Glasgow Heritage Walk

If you want to know more about Port Glasgow and its heritage then download the Heritage Walk booklet.

Port Glasgow Heritage Walk

I've worked out a Heritage Walk for Port Glasgow which takes in many of the important aspects of the town's history and heritage.  Starting at Newark Castle, the walk takes you around several interesting sites.  The booklet includes a map and directions along with more photographs and links.
Click to download the Port Glasgow Heritage Walk.

Here are the stops along the way -

Suggested start - Newark Castle in Port Glasgow.

1          NewarkCastle

2          FergusonMarine

3          RopeworksBuilding

4          Port GlasgowFire Station

5          Glen &Ross Steam Hammer

6          Coronation Park and Riverside

7          Slipway

8          Memorial - Clyde Boating Tragedy

9          Mirren Shore - Steamboat Quay

10        PerchLighthouse

11        West QuayLighthouse

12        SUDS Pond

13        Remains of Shipyards

14        Shipyard Names

15        Comet

16        Argylls’ Parade

17        Church of StJohn the Baptist

18        Princes Street

19        New Parish Church and Churchyard

20        Old Bank Building

21        Port Glasgow Railway Station

22        John Wood Street - Star Hotel & Tenements

23        King Street

24        Customhouse Lane (off King Street)

25        Port Glasgow Town Buildings

26        Provost'sLamp (to side of building)

27        Port Glasgow War Memorial

28        Endeavour Sculpture

Download the Port Glasgow Heritage Walk booklet which gives a map, directions, information, photographs and links to external sites which provide more information about what you can see along the way.