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Local Heritage,
Local People
Heritage as a
Community Asset
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This project was supported by SCVO DirectGrants
Local Heritage,Local People
Heritage as aCommunity Asset
produced by Magic Torch
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In a time when Inverclyde faces so many difficulties, it is very easy to understand
why heritage is not at the top of anyones agenda. Why should we worry about
history when here and now, jobs are being lost? Who cares about industrial
landmarks when we see our maternity unit closing? If we are going to be restoring
anything, shouldnt it be our schools?
These problems, this gradual erosion of our entire community must be fought,
on all fronts; as a group Magic Torch have come to believe that promotion of our
heritage is one very positive way of doing just that. Our heritage can reconnect
us to our community, give us a sense of place, of pride. Its what we have left of
who we are, where weve come from. And its the last thing well lose.
This report investigates local attitudes to heritage, revealing not only local support
for future developments, but also underlining the strong sense of history and
community already present within Inverclyde. Outlined, are a number of ideas
for future development. We hope it will not be too long before we see some of
them in action.
Magic Torch would like to thank those who have made this project possible, most
particularly Christopher Burrows who prepared and wrote the report. He was activein all aspects of the project; planning, preparation of questionnaires, encouraging
groups to return them, collating the data and raising the profile of local heritage
at every given opportunity.
We would also like to thank all those groups and individuals who took the time
and trouble to complete their questionnaires or attend our open forum meetings
yours is the most vital contribution of all.
Finally we would like to acknowledge the support of SCVOs Direct Grants
programme, which funded the entire survey project.
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SECTION PAGE
1. BACKGROUND 4
1.1 Introduction 4
1.2 Methodology 5
1.3 Strategic Context 6
2. COMMUNITY SURVEY 7
2.1 Heritage Baseline 7
2.2 Interaction 8
2.3 Attitude
10
2.4 Aspirations 11
2.5 SWOT Analysis 13
2.6 Community Survey: Conclusion 14
3. HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT 15
3.1 Introduction 15
3.2 Review of previous Heritage Developments 15
3.3 Project 1: Inverclyde Maritime Heritage Trail 17
3.4 Project 2: Community Mini Museum 18
3.5 Project 3: Inverclyde Festival of Light 20
3.6 Project 4: Downriver: The Clyde Experience 22
3.7 Heritage Development: Conclusion 24
4. CONCLUSION 25
CONTENTS
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1.1 introductionHeritage plays a vital role in the creation of
community. Over the centuries local tradi-
tions, historical events and the industrial past
have accumulated, helping to mould a local
character and identity, forging a common bond
amongst the people of Inverclyde.
In this report the term heritagewill be treated
as a broad concept outlined in the definitionbelow:
Heritage includes many different things and
places that have been, and can be, passed from
one generation to another. Among these are:
Cultural and local traditions;
Countryside, Parks and Gardens;
Objects and sites that are linked to our
industrial, maritime and transport his-
tory; Records such as local history archives,
photographic collections or spoken his-
tory records;
Social history including local services
and activities, how they were estab-
lished and developed;
Historic buildings and museum collec-
tions;
Source : Heritage Lottery Fund
However, the demands of the 21st
century alongwith a need to tackle the areas socio-economicproblems have seen heritage increasinglymarginalized and threatened. Unless positiveefforts are made to promote and preserveInverclydes past then it will soon be lost tothis and future generations.Heritage is a fragile resource, once lost it cannever be recreated.
SECTION 1 : BACKGROUND
Since 1999 Magic Torch, an Inverclyde based artsand heritage group, have been involved in thepromotion of the areas rich cultural heritage,history and folklore. Publications such as Talesof the Oak and Views & Reminiscences andsubsequent projects have attempted to bothraise awareness of heritage issues and stimulatecommunity involvement in the field.
In January 2003 Magic Torch secured funding,through the Direct Grants programme, to un-
dertake a comprehensive survey of local feelingtowards heritage issues within Inverclyde.
The subsequent report is the result of thisprocess. It sets out to satisfy the followingaims:
To identify current trends / issues / lo-cal feeling around heritage;
To identify areas for future develop-ment.
This report highlights the main findings of thesurvey in depth; however it is worth making
the following brief observations:
Between August and November 2003
over 3000 people took part in the
community consultation process;
450 questionnaires were completed;
the 450 respondents accurately re-
flect the population structure of
Inverclyde.
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This represents an extremely successful
response, suggesting an existing interest in the
community;
Approximately 70% of respondents
believe the area to have a rich history;
Almost half of those surveyed had
visited a local heritage facility
more than once in the past year; Over 60% of respondents rated local
heritage facilities as good or
excellent;
Yet almost 70% believed that more
could be done to promote and preserve
the areas heritage;
While less than 20% of responses
suggested that Inverclyde faced
too many pr ob le ms to wa st e
time looking at th e pas t, 87%
believed that heritage o f f e r e d
the area economic opportunities
and 72% thought that it had the potential
to bring the community together.
1.2 methodologyThe research process for this study has been
advised by a major literature review and a trawl
for information from the statutory agencies, as
outlined in Figure 1.
The findings of this report are based on a variety
of primary and secondary data sources. Whilstsecondary data sources were used to inform the
initial focus and content of the study, the final
document is an interaction of complimentary
primary and secondary data.
Figure 1:Methodology
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SECTION 1 : BACKGROUND
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1.3 strategic contextThis report has been developed following
consideration of the local, regional and national
policy context in which it will be read.
Since the re-establishment of the Scottish
Parliament in 1999, national policy has been
sympathetic towards the promotion of heritage
issues. Indeed, Scotlands National CulturalStrategy cites conserving, presenting and
promoting interest in and knowledge of
Scotlands history and cultural heritage. as
one of its principal policy objectives.
At regional level The Glasgow & Clyde Valley
Structure Plan highlights the opportunities
that exist through capitalising on the heritage
associated with the river. Whilst at local level
a number of policy documents make reference
to the social and economic possibilities thatheritage developments may offer Inverclyde.
The Inverclyde Local Plan presents tourism
as an area offering substantial growth
opportunities indicating that the areas built,
industrial and maritime heritage are amongst
the most likely stimulants of tourist activity
and acknowledging the need to promote
Inverclydes cultural assets.
The Inverclyde Economic DevelopmentStrategy (2003-2007) identifies a need to
Maximise the benefits of local assets and
realise the opportunities presented for tourism
developments..Promote Inverclyde as an arts
and events venue..Market and promote the
area.
This report also takes account of a range
of other local strategies and plans. These
include:
A Strategy for Inverclydes Town
Centres
Wardle McLeanResearch Report
Port Glasgow Area Renewal Plan2001- 2011
Inverclyde Derelict Land Strategy
Inverclyde Community Plan
Inverclyde Arts Strategy
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SECTION 1 : BACKGROUND
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SECTION 2 : COMMUNITY SURVEY
2.1 HERITAGE BASELINE
Table 1:Provision of heritage facilities in Inverclyde
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2.2 interactionAn underlying aim of the community survey was to establish the way in which the community
currently interacts with the facilities outlined in Table 1. The results produced a number of findings
outlined below:
Almost 50% of those surveyed visited the amenities listed in Table 1 morethan once in the past year, whilst 25% made one visit and a further 25% failed tomake any visits in the last year; Over 60% of respondents rated facilities as good or excellent, 35% as average and
less than 5% as poor; There is a strong positive relationship between an individuals local historicalknowledge and the number of times they visit local heritage facilities, the causal natureof this relationship cannot be identified from this research however it is clear that current
facilities play some role in promoting an understanding of the history of Inverclyde;
Table 2: Cross Tabulation Analysis - Visits to facilities by knowledge of local history
Heritage facilities are failing to appeal to a youth market. Over 50% of under 20s
regard the facilities as poor or average,these statistics are supported by a number of
comments recorded during the consultation process Inverclydes history is boring it should
be made more fun., Museums are not popular and not the way forward.;
Fig 2: Rating of Facilities by Age Group
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SECTION 2 : COMMUNITY SURVEY
Visits to facilities in the past year
Knowledge of Never Once 2-5 Times
More than 5 times
Local History
Very Little 43.06% 30.56% 20.83%
5.56%
Not Much 39.66% 28.45% 20.69%
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These results show that whilst local heritage
services are generally well used and regarded
a number of issues exist. These issues are not
peculiar to Inverclyde, indeed they have been
reflected at national level and highlighted in
various studies carried out by groups such as
Scottish Natural Heritage, Heritage Lottery
Fund and the Scottish Museums Council.
Firstly, the failure to appeal to a youth
market suggests that existing services may
not be achieving their aim of providing an
understanding and sense of belonging to the
youth of Inverclyde. This has implications for
civic pride and for future population loss.
This results in fewer visits amongst the younger age groups. Over 35% of under 20s
never visited the facilities mentioned;
Figure 3: Visits to facilities by Age Group
Access issues exist within socially excluded communities. 42% of people in the
Kelburn/ Woodhall/Broadfield S.I.P area never visited heritage facilities compared
to 25% of those in Port Glasgow and 25.68% of Inverclyde.
Secondly, the fact that heritage services are not
being accessed by those in socially excluded
areas suggests that they are failing to realise
their potential in promoting social inclusion as
outlined in the document Centres for Social
Change: Museums, Galleries and Archives for
All, (Department for Culture, Media and Sport,
May 2000)
Local authority expenditure on arts and
culture is declining across the board as severe
financial restrictions lead to cuts in non-
essential services. In the future, therefore,
local authority heritage services look set to
be put under further financial pressure. One
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way to ensure the continuation of heritage provision in this financial climate is for the growth of
community based services. Any future community based initiatives should attempt to tackle the
issues outlined above and also be informed by the views of the community.
2.3 attitudeAnother aim of the community survey was to gauge local feeling towards heritage issues. By
asking respondents to express their opinions on a number of statements it was possible to build a
comprehensive picture of the way people in Inverclyde relate to heritage. An analysis of the resultsprovides a number of key findings:
Approximately 70% of respondents viewed Inverclyde as an area with a rich history; 8% of respondents believed that Inverclyde was doing enough to promote its
heritage but just under 70% believed that more could be done; 87% of those surveyed believed that the promotion of Inverclydes heritage
could provide economic benefits and just over 72% believed that the promotion of
heritage could unite the community; Whilst almost 20% of respondents considered Inverclyde to face too many problems to
waste time looking at the past 63% of those questioned disagreed with this sentiment.
The under 20 age group tended to display a more apathetic attitude towards heritagethan those in other age groups.
This is a worrying trend that may have serious implications for the future of Inverclydes heritage.
Fig 4: Responses of Under 20 age group against Average.
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A number of conclusions can be drawn. Firstly,
it highlights a lack of local historical knowledge
amongst the under 20 age group. Secondly
it shows that many youths feel that they
havent benefited from previous or existing
heritage projects. Finally it is indicative of
a wider disillusionment amongst the youth of
Inverclyde, a feeling amongst some that the
area has nothing going for it. Indeed this came
out clearly in some responses. One respondentcommented Inverclydes a shambles! Full of
trouble. while another stated that Inverclyde
is full of low-lifes, thugs and addicts.
Overall, therefore, these results suggest that
the majority of the community believe that the
heritage of Inverclyde is an under-exploited
resource with the potential to provide the
community with social and economic benefits.
However, efforts have to be made to raise
awareness of heritage issues amongst the youth
of the area and to promote local history as a
source of community pride.
2.4 aspirationsHaving identified that the residents of Inverclyde
were sympathetic towards the issue of local
heritage it was essential to discover the ways
in which they would most like to see the areas
history celebrated.
From an early stage it had been obvious
that many respondents viewed Inverclydes
heritage as inextricably linked to the River
Clyde. To this end respondents were asked the
following question: Over the next few years
Inverclydes waterfront will be undergoing
regeneration. Do you think it is important
that efforts are made to mark the maritime
history of this area?
Figure 5: Maritime History Pie Chart
Such an emphatic response suggests that the
community is in no doubt of the historical
importance of the river and its associated
activities. More importantly it shows that the
inhabitants of Inverclyde want to see some form
of heritage facility integrated into any future
regeneration of the waterfront corridor. In
previous efforts to redevelop the waterfront
area the consideration of heritage has beenconspicuous by its absence. This issue was
raised by several respondents, who highlighted
their experience of historic docklands in
Hartlepool, Liverpool, Bristol, Canada, New
Zealand and Australia.
Respondents were then asked in which way they
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would most like to see heritage celebrated.
The results were as follows:
Annual Festival
35%
Heritage Museum
20%
More than one response
13%
Taught in Schools/College12%
Preservation of Historically
Important Buildings
7.4%
Genealogy Centre
6.4%
Heritage Walking Trail
4.8%
Monuments
0.7
Other
0.7%
A number of conclusions can be drawn from
these findings.
The popularity of an Annual Festival
reflects the success of the Cutty Sark
Tall Ships Race held in 1999;
Whilst the idea of an Annual Festival
is strongly supported by young
and female r e s p o n d e n t s t h e
idea of a Heritage Museum f indssupport amongst older and m a l e
respondents;
The second most popular option
amongst the under 20 and 20-29
age groups was that local history
be taught in schools and coll eg e.
This suggests a willingness among st
the youth of the community to
discover their local roots;
Many respondents found it hard to
select one option. This is highlighted
by the fact that a high proport ion
indicated support for more than
one project. Many of these responses
highlighted the links between
the various options. For examplea heritage museum could also act
as a genealogy centre and be housed
in a preserved building.
Finally respondents were asked to select the
area of local heritage that interested them the
most. The results were as follows:
More than one response 33%
Local History 28.9%
Industrial Heritage 13.6%
Famous Inverclyde People 9.7%
Migration/Genealogy
6.1%
Folklore
3.6%
Natural Heritage 2.9%
Built Heritage 1.2%
Other 1%
The fact that a third of respondents selected
more than one option, whilst just under 30%
selected the general Local History optionsuggests that there is an appreciation amongst
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the community that Inverclyde has a rich and varied heritage.
It follows that any future heritage development should have a broad focus covering many areas of
interest linked together by a common theme.
2.5 swot analysis
Comments made in writing through the questionnaire and in person at heritage open nights were
combined with findings from previously published documents to construct a SWOT analysis. This
tool allows for a simple analysis of the current position with regard to heritage issues as well as
highlighting issues that may arise in the future.
Table 3: Heritage in Inverclyde, SWOT Analysis
Threats Negative image of Inverclyde
Unsympathetic regeneration
Declining population
Socio-economic problems
Services leaving the area
Belief that spending on heritage
takes money from essential services
Failure to recognise the wider
significance of Inverclydes heritage
Opportunities Waterfront views
Regeneration of the waterfront
Cruise Liner Passengers
HLF under subscribed in this area
Growth of interest in genealogy
Growth of interest in restoration
Recognition of potential of heritage
in various council documents
Weaknesses
No formal heritage strategy No dedicated museums department
in the council
No additi onal Local Authori ty
finance
Lack of long-term vision
Interest ed groups working in
isolation
Private ownership of historic
waterfront
Weak links to cultural tourism
Few efforts to tap into heritagefunding
Weak planning regulations
Little integration into primary and
secondary school curriculum
Strengths
Multiple layers of the heritagefabric: industry, trade, war,
migration
L o c a l l y , n a t i o n a l l y a n d
internationally significant
history
Professional heritage expertise
amongst volunteers and
council staff
Strong foundat ion of Heritage
Services
Track record of hosting large scaleheritage events
Sympathetic local newspaper
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2.6 community survey : conclusion
The community survey has raised many
important issues. The results suggest that
the inhabitants of Inverclyde are aware of the
areas rich heritage and view it as something
of an unexploited resource, a sentiment
that is echoed in many local government
publications.
The majority of residents believe that moreshould be done to promote the heritage of the
area and in particular that the communities
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SECTION 2 : COMMUNITY SURVEY
It is a common misconception that Inverclyde had
few castles. Indeed at one point there were ten
castles scattered throughout the district, although
little remains of them today, with Newark being the
only one still standing in its original state.
The oldest one in Greenock was the Castle of Easter
Greenock, which stood in the east end of the town,close to where the Knowe Road runs. There was a
castle here from around the mid thirteenth century.
The original occupants were the Gailbraith family.
One notable member of the family was Hugh de
Grenok who swore fealty to Edward Longshanks
after the battle of Lanark in 1296. The family were
survived through the Crawfords, who remained in
occupancy at the castle until the late middle ages.
Another early castle in the town stood on the site
of the Well Park. The Shaw family acquired the
Barony of Wester Greenock through intermarriagewith the Galbraiths during the reign of Robert III.
The Shaws were for a long time the cup bearers of
the Scottish Kings, a fact which is commemorated
by the covered cups still visible at the Well park. The
castle was rebuilt several times, most famously by
John Shaw III who built the Mansion House on the
site of the older castle where it remained until it was
demolished in 1886 during railway tunnelling.
In addition, there were Castles situated at Duchal
outside of Kilmacolm, Levan on the Cloch Road,
Dunrod near IBM and Ardgowan outside ofInverkip. Many of these were in existence during
the time of Wallace and the Bruce and their tenants
surely played their parts in Scotlands battle for
independence.
The Castles of Inverclyde
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historical links with its river be celebrated.
It is essential that any future projects engage
with the youth of the community and attempt
to tackle access issues within socially excluded
communities. This is as much about involving
under represented groups in the development
of new facilities and projects as it is about
outreach work and targeted marketing.
3.1 introductionThe following series of development proposals
will illustrate potential heritage projects. The
content of these proposals will be informed by
three main factors:
The aspirations of the community;
Projects that are currently running
elsewhere in Britain;
Prev ious her i tag e projec ts in
Inverclyde.
It will also be shown that they can tackle issues
of access, relate to the youth of the community
and be used as a vehicle for the implementation
of wider strategies.
3.2 review of previous heritage developmentsSince the late 1980s, a number of public
bodies have sought to capitalise on Inverclydesrich heritage. Indeed, many of the proposals
have been taken to an advanced stage
with the completion of feasibility studies.
Unfortunately, over a decade on there exists
very little evidence of previous projects, and
Inverclydes rich history remains virtually
SECTION 3 : HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT
unmarked.
Herit age Vessels in Inver clyde,
Inverclyde Initiative, 1987
Inverclyde Heritage Centre, Greenock
Employment Action Group, 1987
The Scotti sh Emigrat ion Centre,
Scottish Development Agency,
1986
Previous projects have failed to come to
fruition for a number of reasons including; a
lack of financial support, a failure to realise
the potential of heritage developments, lack
of commitment from external agencies, and
severe socio-economic problems. Although
Inverclyde still faces many challenging socio-
economic problems a number of the other
barriers have been removed.
Heritage Lottery Fund now represents a
significant source of financial support,
strategic policy documents now indicate a
real understanding of the value of heritage
developments and a grass-roots movement
minimises a reliance on external agencies.
In the past there have also been successful
attempts to celebrate the areas heritage
Inverclyde Heritage Roadshow, 1990
Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race, 1999
Yet, while these projects proved a success in
their limited life spans a failure to build on
them means that the momentum has been
lost,
A 3 day wonder of excitementand then its
gone. The Glenlee goes back to Glasgow and
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we go back to gap sites and rubble.
case study:
cutty sark tall ships race 1999
In the summer of 1999 Greenock played host to
one of the worlds leading sailing events, The
Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race. This event is widely
regarded as a successful example of a local
heritage festival, combining the areas maritime
history with other aspects of local arts and
culture. Five years on it is still rememberedwith affection by local residents.
The bid to host the event was submitted in
1995 and Greenock Tall Ships Ltd formed at
the end of 1996 to oversee its organisation.
Delivered through partnership by the local
council, Renfrewshire Enterprise, Clydeport,
ERDF, Urban Aid, and sponsorship the four day
festival held in the last weekend of July 1999
was to prove a great success.
Over the weekend 800,000 separate visits were
made to the event site with many of these made
by people from out-with the Inverclyde area.
The impact of the event on the local area was
significant.
In economic terms it created new expenditure
of 8.3 million for Inverclyde, representing
a 9 fold return on the initial investment. It
was estimated that this level of expenditure
would support a notional 248 jobs for one year.
Perhaps the greatest benefit, however, was
the increase in confidence engendered in both
the local community and those involved in the
event organisation. A much needed feel good
factor for a town that has had more than its
fair share of hard knocks.In our study respondents were asked to
comment on the impact of the Tall Ships in
Inverclyde. 12% of responses highlighted the
number of visitors it brought to the area,
20% of the replies focused on the positive
publicity gained, a further 16% commented
on the wider economic benefit, whilst 6 and
8% of those polled mentioned the educational
and enjoyment value respectively. The
largest number of responses, 38%, focused
on community pride and for an area such as
Inverclyde that is regarded as a fragmented
community haemorrhaging population this is
extremely significant.
Yet the long-term impact of the event is less
certain. The feeling of civic pride gained
from this event has dissipated and attempts
to follow up the success of the Tall Ships with
other festivals have proved less successful.
Indeed 69% of respondents felt that not enough
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SECTION 3 : HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT
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has been done to build on the success of the
event, many fearing that the opportunity has
now passed.
The Tall Ships event, then, has been shown
to have had significant short term impacts for
Inverclyde. Yet failure to build on the success
of the event means that five years down the
line the benefits have all but vanished.
This suggests that it is important to mark ourheritage in bricks and mortar, building a
rolling programme of events around any such
development.
It would seem, then, that this is a critical
time for the heritage of Inverclyde. The
redevelopment of the historic waterfront
represents a last chance to mark our rich
maritime heritage. Unless efforts are made to
integrate a celebration of our heritage in any
redevelopment package then the opportunity
will be lost once and for all.
Yet it is not only the maritime heritage
of Inverclyde that offers opportunity, the
following series of proposals illustrate a wide
range of potential projects varying in focus,
size, timeframe, and ambition.
3.3 project 1:
inverclyde maritime heritage trail
The Concept: Inverclyde is renowned for its
proud maritime history and heavy industrial
past. Yet the area is also blessed with beautiful
waterfront scenery. Magic Torch believes the
creation of a maritime heritage trail can be
used to combine these two local assets.
The provision of interpretative signage
throughout the Inverclyde Coastal Walkway
should be used to transform the network of
paths into a commemoration of the areas rich
maritime history. As the waterfront regeneration
proceeds the trail should continue to develop,
eventually covering the whole stretch of coastfrom the Custom House to Newark Castle.
Planning Gain Mechanisms should be used to
ensure that new developments are required
to contribute to the extension of the heritage
trail with appropriate signage and footpath
provision.Heritage Trails have been developed
in various locations throughout Scotland. These
include the North Calder Heritage Trail, Falkirk
Heritage Trail, Govan Heritage Trail and Water
of Leith Walkway
Justification: The document, A Strategy
for Inverclydes Town Centres advocates the
establishment of a Greenock Heritage Trail;
The Paths for All Partnership provide the
following guidance;
Paths to Explore, Paths are a major attraction
for tourists. They help extend length of stay,
spread visits around the year, and disperse
tourists to less visited places. They generate
income and can be a key element in economicregeneration strategies.
Paths are Local, Paths help community
development. Involvement in planning and
construction is an empowering experience.
Moving about the paths promotes social
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interaction, increases awareness of local
life, and encourages engagement with local
issues.
Paths to Health, Paths address the issues
raised in Scotlands Health: A challenge to us
all by providing for the 30 minutes moderate
activity each day recommended by the NHS
Scotland.
A heritage trail also represents value for moneyleisure provision being a relatively low cost
development accessible to a high proportion
of the population;
The development of a heritage trail would
increase usage of the existing path network
but also represents a simple, low cost project
that provides a sound basis for future heritage
developments.
Potential Partners: Paths For All, Paths To
Health, Scottish Natural Heritage, Heritage
Lottery Fund, Fresh Futures, Inverclyde
Council, Voluntary Sector, Argyll & Clyde Health
Board, Local Community.
3.4 project 2 :
community mini museum
The Concept: The town of Port Glasgow hasa rich and varied history that is unfortunately
too often overlooked. From the ancient castle
of Newark to the once bustling shipyards, the
history of the community is one of innovation,
determination and an enduring sense of civic
pride. In order to help the community enjoy
Inverclydes Maritime History
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SECTION 3 : HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT
The first shipyard company in Greenock was founded
in 1711 by John Scott. Scott had a yard at the mouth of
the West Burn where he built herring busses and small
boats. Small beginnings for a company which was to
take its place among the most famous shipbuilders
in the world. By the end of the 1700s, Scotts yard
had increased greatly in size and close ties with the
Watt family lead to the quick development of steam
propelled vessels. In 1806 with the building of thewarship Prince of Wales Scotts began a long and
prosperous connection with the Royal Navy.
By the 1820s there were several yards operating
in Inverclyde, many of which were building steam
vessels such as the famous Comet built in 1811 by
John Wood and Sons of Port Glasgow. In 1839, Scotts
launched H.M.S Greenock, the first Clyde built steam
naval frigate and were joined by firms such as Cairds
and Woods in their specialising in steam powered
vessels. In the late 1850s Robert Steele & Co turned
to the building of tea clippers. The late 1800s werea boom time for Inverclydes shipbuilding industry.
Many firms such as George Brown & Co specialised
in tugs and motor yachts as did Ferguson Brothers
of Port Glasgow. Lithgows also began to expand at
this time and was eventually to become the largest
privately owned shipyard in the world.
In the years after the First World War depression hit
the industry. This naturally resulted in the closure or
amalgamation of many yards. While some companies,
such as Scotts continued to produce outstanding
vessels, others, including Cairds were less fortunate
The outbreak of the Second World War placed great
pressure on the yards, ships of all types were in great
demand. However, after the war, the industry faced
growing competition from abroad, culminating in the
great closures of the 1970s and 80s.
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and educate themselves in a celebration of
their cultural heritage Magic Torch envisage
the development of a community mini museum
based within the Woodhall/Robert Street
area.
Whilst helping to raise awareness of local
heritage issues this type of initiative is
increasingly being hailed as an innovative
response to social exclusion. Based on thesuccessful Pollok Kist in Glasgow (www.pollok-
kist.co.uk) the project will be designed to
encourage socially excluded members of society
to participate in the work of the museum and
to involve them in projects that will promote
their inclusion into wider society.
Featuring display cases containing personal
collections and objects from the Inverclyde
archives, community art as well as a small
historical library, computers, reminiscence kits
and equipment to conduct oral history sessions.
This museum will act as the collective memory
of the community as well as taking heritage
directly to under represented groups.
Justification: Access issues identified through
the community survey: this project represents
a low cost/high impact solution;
The success of the Port Gallery project
suggested a desire to see the establishment of
a permanent cultural facility;
The Department of Culture, Media and Sportdocument Centres for Social Change: Museums,
Galleries and Archives for All suggests that
through the special combination of enjoyment
and learning they offer galleries and archives
can provide many opportunities for overcoming
social inclusion.;
Port Glasgow
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SECTION 3 : HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT
Port Glasgow has a rich and varied history that isall too often overlooked. In the 1400s, the powerful
and wealthy Maxwell family acquired the western
par t of the Finlaystone estate and construc ted
Newark Castle. Over two hundred years later, in
1688, Glasgow Town Council created the free port
of New Port Glasgow to make it easier to transport
goods to Glasgow.
The new port thrived on foreign trade, bringing goods
from the West Indies, the Americas and mainland
Europe and Ireland. The wealthy merchants of
Port Glasgow were involved in the ill-fated DarienExpedition, some of whose ships left from the
Port.
The so-called Tobacco Lords brought much wealth
and prosperity to Port Glasgow, but their success
was short lived. Following the devastating effects of
the American War of Independence on international
shipping, many of the merchants lost their vast
fortunes and those who did not were forced to
diversify into other ventures such as shipbuilding,
sailmaking and rope production. These industries
became more important as the Clyde was deepened,
allowing cargo ships to travel all the way up to
Glasgow.
Today, there is little that celebrates the history of
this once prosperous and important trading post on
Port Glasgow Area Renewal Plan 2001-2011
identifies heritage as one of the towns greatest
assets noting that it needs to build on the value
that local people assign to their heritage,
Looking back to the past is one of the ways
of securing a future, of building on the pride
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that local people have in their past to forge a
positive identity that will help provide hope
for the future.
Potential Partners: Inverclyde Council,
HLF, Urban II, Social Inclusion Partnership,
Community Councils, FCLCI, INCI Theme
Group, Key Fund, Safe Communities Scotland,
Voluntary Sector, Local Community.
3.5 project 3:
inverclyde festival of light
The Concept: The success of the Tall Ships
event in the summer of 1999 proved that
festivals can act as the vehicle for a number of
social and economic benefits whilst increasing
peoples appreciation of the local area and
its history. Yet Inverclyde cannot rely on
regularly attracting international events. Many
communities across Britain have developedsuccessful festivals based on local history.
Magic Torch envisages the development of a
month long winter festival, the festival of
light running throughout November. This
festival will in one sense be a branding exercise
incorporating existing events such as the annual
fireworks display and the switching on of the
Christmas lights. It will also act as a method
of resurrecting old Inverclyde customs.
The festival will open and close with weekend
events at the beginning and end of November
with a programme of complimentary activities
running throughout the month. The concept
of a winter festival has long been successful in
North America and has recently been adopted
in a number of British cities including Glasgow
and Edinburgh.
Opening Event: GaloshansHeld on the weekend falling between Halloween
and Guy Fawkes Night this event will mark the
opening of the winter festival. Based on the
successful Beltane Fire Society festival held in
Edinburgh (www.beltane.org) which attracts up
to 15,000 people from across the world, thisevent will act as a celebration of the Inverclyde
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SECTION 3 : HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT
Inverclyde is one of the few areas in the country
where the word Galoshans is still in use. In the
nineteenth century, The Galoshans Book was
a chapbook printing of a short play based on the
legend of Saint George and the Dragon. Children
would dress up and travel from house to house
performing their interpretation of this play, it is from
this that we derive the term going galoshans
Little companies of Galoshans, too, were to
be seen rushing from one tenement to another,
seeking admission, sometimes indeed insisting on
their assumed privilege to perform The Wonderful
Tragedy of St. George and The Dragon.
Their faces were fearfully camouflaged, and their
ordinary garb was embellished with various
coloured trimmings, and a wooden sword where
required. The kitchen floor was the bloodless
scene of many an encounter with such swords, but
all ended happily; for when Dr Brown, the bestold doctor in the town administered to the slain
hero his marvellous life-restoring potion saying
Rise, Jock, and fight again! everyone was highly
gratified , including the actors if the collection
was satisfactory.
From John Donalds Old Greenock Characters
Galoshans
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tradition of Galoshans and will also incorporate
the annual fireworks display.
A number of activities will seek to revive
local Halloween customs culminating in the
recreation of a traditional Galoshans play.
Modern day events similar to those held in
the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival
(www.derrcity.gov.uk/halloween) will also be
included.
Closing Event: Victorian Christmas MarketThe Victorian Christmas Market would become
the highlight of the festive season. Held on the
traditional Greenock winter fair weekend the
event would incorporate the switching on of
Greenocks Christmas lights and would herald
the arrival of the festive season.
Cathcart and Clyde Squares will be transformed
into a winter market evoking memories of
Christmas past, a scene from the pages of
Dickens Christmas Carol. Jolly stallholders
dressed in Victorian garb will be selling
traditional foodstuffs, crafts and gifts. Seasonal
music and the smell of chestnuts roasting on
an open fire drift through the chilly night
air. Stallholders and members of the chamber
of commerce mingle with shoppers in their
Victorian finery.
After dark the sparkling lights are turned
on and add a romantic touch to the scenecomplimenting the songs of carol singers and
the music of local composers such as Neil
Dougall and Hamish MacCunn.
Street entertainers will act as Old Greenock
Charactersas the town drummer announces
events, and bargains.
A small fairground will recreate the traditional
entertainments of the winter fair and a
Victorian Carousel and Helter Skelter will
provide enjoyment for the young and young
at heart.
This event will mark a real family occasion,
a true community event and the revival ofGreenocks winter fair.
This concept has proved popular in other
locations throughout Britain. The North Shields
Victorian Market is now in its fifth year and
attracts in excess of 20,000 visitors each year,
many coming from out-with the area.
The Winter Fair
21
SECTION 3 : HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT
Greenock was first granted the right to hold a winter
fair in 1635. The fair was held annually in the last
week of November until around the middle of the
1850s:
Seventy years ago, the Winter Fair, which was held in
Cathcart Square, and along Cathcart Street consisted
of an assembly of stands for the sale of all sorts ofcommodities; a veritable Paddys Market. Articles of
wearing apparel, boots, shoes, and slippers, books,
pictures, fruit and of course, confections. There were
also shooting stands, with nuts for prizes; and some
may remember the huge inverted umbrellas used for
the display of prints, small framed pictures, song
books and song sheets. As an aged gentleman with
an excellent memory informed me, it was a common
saying then: lets awa ower to the fair an see if there
are ony bargains gaun.
From John Donalds Old Greenock Characters
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www.victorianmarket.co.uk
Justification: The results of the community
survey suggest that local people, and in
particular the youth of the area, would support
the creation of an annual festival;
The results of the community survey suggest
that local festivals bring the communitytogether and produce other social and economic
benefits. These results are substantiated by the
Tall Ships impact report that quantifies the
economic benefits of the event;
The experience of other towns across Britain
suggests the benefits of such an event;
Major cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh are
realising the opportunities offered by a winter
festival;
The event will provide people with activities
to keep them in the local area during the
Christmas shopping period, therefore increasing
spending in the local area;
This event will also revive the unique local
customs of Galoshans and the Winter Fair.
Potential Partners: Inverclyde Council,
Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Enterprise
Renfrewshire, Chamber of Commerce, TheOak Mall, Private Sector, Local Arts & Drama
Societies, Voluntary Sector, Local Community
3.6 project 4:
downriver : the clyde experience
The Concept: Inverclyde is peppered with
abandoned buildings, remnants from its
industrial past, monuments to industry.
Gradually these buildings are being demolished,
removed from the landscape to make way for
modern industrial sheds. Yet increasingly these
buildings are finding favour with developers
who are waking up to their potential as flexiblespaces.
Magic Torch envisage the restoration of the
most inspiring of these, The James Watt Dock
Sugar House. Of definite local significance
and considered by many to be of international
architectural and historical significance the
sugar house should be brought into use as
a mixed development offering social and
economic benefits to the citizens of Inverclyde.
Not as up market housing that few locals canafford.
Throughout Britain there are numerous
examples of the successful restoration of
historically significant buildings. Perhaps,
the most inspiring of these is Salts Mill in
Yorkshire which has been successfully restored
to provide gallery space, a retail development
and office space creating employment for over
a thousand local people. Closer to home the
historic village of New Lanark has gone from
an industrial relic to a thriving community andmajor tourist attraction within thirty years.
Magic Torch view the Sugar House as a
building with similar potential for Inverclyde
and aspire to a development where a mix of
commercial uses support the development
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SECTION 3 : HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT
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of a contemporary heritage centre within a
sensitively restored historic building.
Using the River Clyde as a theme variousaspects of Inverclydes past will be explored migration, trade, war, industry - in an
interactive manner. Learning from the
experience of other museums, including the
Museum of Transport in Glasgow, heritage
will be brought to life with a human element
creating a peoples history of Inverclyde.
This will be a facility where people can
research, learn about and become involved in
the full, rich history of Inverclyde. It will also
be regarded as a public space where citizens
can enter into dialogue and debate about their
heritage and history.
Audiovisual and hands-on displays will play a
major role whilst the facility will also contain
public space, work with local schools as a seat
of community learning, act as a research centre
for the families of emigrants and become a
centre for oral history.
Whilst representing a most ambitious project
Magic Torch believe that the achievements of
communities throughout Britain, highlighted
in the BBCs Restoration series, prove that
with widespread public and political support
and commitment large scale community based
projects are not only achievable but engender
confidence and civic pride in an area.
Justification: Retains historic building for
public use;
Provides for the demand for visitor attractions
outlined in several previous publications;
Provides a mixed-use development as outlined
in the Inverclyde Local Plan;
Provides for a permanent celebration of the
areas rich heritage;
The Regeneration Through Heritage charity and
the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust havesuggested that the restoration of buildings in
deprived areas has helped to attract further
investment and promoted regeneration,
community empowerment, urban renewal, and
sense of place.
Potential Partners: Inverclyde Council, Scottish
downriver
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SECTION 3 : HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT
From the coming of the Roman Legions to therule of the Welsh Kings, through a dark age of
superstition to the red tides of war, the river
has always run, bringing settlers, invaders and
travellers to our shores.
Templar Knights, Irish immigrants, Nazi spies,
exiled Highlanders, Vikings, gypsies, warlocks,
mystics, poets and revolutionaries, some passed
through, some stayed forever, allof them left their
mark on the Clyde and her people.
Journey back in time to discover the roots of
our community and the secrets of our common
heritage.
Take a trip downriver...
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Enterprise Renfrewshire, Heritage Lottery
Fund, Association of Building Preservation
Trusts, Architectural Heritage Fund, Local
Institutions, Private Sector, Voluntary Sector,
ESF, ERDF, Local Community.
3.7 heritage development : conclusion
The range of projects outlined above highlight
a variety of ways in which heritage could be
promoted in Inverclyde. While each projecthas a slightly different focus they all make a
contribution to a wider strategy. Whether it is
a heritage trail promoting community health or
a mini museum championing social inclusion,
these projects show that heritage can be
used as a vehicle for achieving wider policy
objectives. Heritage need not take the lead
nor indeed be central to any initiative but can
tap into existing social initiatives promoting its
relevance in this way.
Perhaps the most important aspect of any future
development, however, is targeted community
involvement from under-represented groups.
The community should be involved from the
beginning of a project to the end as this has
many benefits not only for the project itself
but also for those involved. In particular
the promotion of community involvement
can contribute to workforce development by
helping to tackle the main skills lacking in the
24
SECTION 3 : HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT
Over the centuries the people of Inverclyde have
helped shape the river to serve human purposes.
Its channels have been dredged, deepened and
widened to meet our historic industrial and
commercial needs. It is clear that we have shaped
the river but it is not a one way process. The river
has also shaped us. It has dictated how our towns
have developed and brought us both industrial
prosperity and decline.
To understand the full extent of this attachment you
must appreciate the local significance of the Clyde,
it appears that the river represents a symbolic
landscape to the residents of Inverclyde. In other
words it is more than a river; it is a common
heritage that everyone in the locality shares, a
visible bone between past and present. And for an
area such as Inverclyde that has endured so many
crushing blows this is vital. Yet it also continues
to provide us with hope.
As a community we recognise its potential, in the
past it has provided us with prosperity and now
we look to it for modern economic benefit. The
river runs in our veins. Even if we move on there
will always be a deep rooted connection to the
Clyde because it holds a special significance for
the people of Inverclyde. It is more than a river
it offers opportunity, advantage, and security. It
will always flow but never leave us.
On the Waterfront
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Inverclyde workforce- communication skills,
customer handling skills and problem solving.
(2002 Labour Market Statement: Inverclyde)
This research has shown that the community
believes that more should be done to celebrate
the rich heritage of Inverclyde. This is a view
repeated in numerous policy documents which
highlight the areas proud history as one of its
greatest assets. Unfortunately very little hasbeen done to exploit this resource.
The projects that have been successfully
implemented have been shown to produce a
range of social and economic benefits in their
short life times, yet a few years down the line
these have all but vanished. This underlines
the need for a bricks and mortarstyle
development.
In order to do this there is a need for a
culture change with in Inverclyde, moving
away from paying lip service to heritage to an
understanding that it is an asset that can be
exploited to a number of ends social inclusion,
community spirit, economic regeneration, life-
long learning, workforce development, image,
tourism, and health. A realisation that the true
value of heritage exceeds its obvious intrinsic
worth.
The case studies outlined in this report have
attempted to illustrate the way in whichheritage can be used not as an end but as a
means, as a vehicle to achieve a wide range
of important goals.
Towns and cities across Britain have already
realised this potential. Indeed, much of
Dundees recent revival can be attributed to
its use of culture and heritage as a device for
economic regeneration and place promotion.
Yet there is also a need to understand that the
finance for heritage promotion need not drain
resources from essential services. A number of
potential funding avenues exist, money need
not be taken away from schools and housing,
a concern of many local people.
Throughout the production of this report it
has grown increasingly obvious that a section
of the community share the frustration
that Inverclydes heritage is gradually being
eroded.
To this end Magic Torch have initiated the
development of a local heritage forum, a group
that will operate independently and attempt
to both safeguard and promote the heritage
of Inverclyde.
However, it has been shown that successful
heritage projects across Scotland have been
delivered through a partnership of local
people and the key local stakeholders- elected
representatives, economic development
agencies and local planning departments.
It is hoped that this report will encourage these
stakeholders to join with the local heritage
forum in planning for the future of the areasheritage, provoke consideration into the ways
in which heritage can be used as a means
of meeting wider policy objectives, and be
the starting point for the development of a
permanent heritage facility that the area can
be proud of.
SECTION 4 : CONCLUSION
25
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This report comes at a timely juncture, a
critical moment for the heritage of Inverclyde.
The forthcoming redevelopment of the historic
waterfront represents both an opportunity and
threat to the rich heritage of the area. Only
with a strong heritage group incorporating local
stakeholders and members of the community
will the heritage be appreciated as an asset by
private developers from out-with the area.
26
SECTION 4 : CONCLUSION
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The next few years marks a watershed for the heritage of Inverclyde. Do we take a wrecking ball
to our past or promote it as a valuable community asset?
Architectural Heritage Fund www.ahfund.org.uk
Association of Building Preservation Trusts www.heritage.co.uk
Caledonian Heritage > Futures Network www.heritagefutures.net
Heritage Lottery Fund www.hlf.org.uk
Glasgow Building Preservation Trust www.gbpt.org
Govan Heritage Trail www.sunnygovan.com
Historic Scotland www.historic-scotland.
gov.uk
Inverclyde Tourist Group http://glimpsesofgreenock.
co.uk
Magic Torch www.magictorch.net
New Lanark www.newlanark.org
Pollok Kist www.pollok-kist.co.uk
Regeneration Through Heritage www.princes-foundation.org
Salts Mill www.saltsmill.org.uk
SCRAN www.scran.ac.uk
Scottish Civic Trust www.scottishcivictrust.org.uk
Scottish Museums Council www.scottishmuseums.org.uk
Scottish Natural Heritage www.snh.org.uk
WEBLINKS
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