local heritage, local people (2004)

8/13/2019 Local heritage, local People (2004)

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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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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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7

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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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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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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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

18


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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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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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


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

22



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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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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

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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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local heritage, local people (2004)

Documents