The Tall Ship At Glasgow Harbour

The Tall ship at Glasgow Harbour is one of the prime and most visited attractions in Glasgow. It is popular as an educational attraction as well as a fun filled place for the leisure traveller.

The Glenlee which was launched in December 1896 is the last of the 5 Clydebuilt vessels still afloat in the world. The ship is today a museum at Yorkhill Quay Glasgow which is identified as the Tall ship at Glasgow Harbour.

The 245.5 feet long Glenlee was constructed at the Anderson Rodger and Company shipyard. It was built for the Glasgow shipping firm of Archibald Sterling and Co. Ltd. The beam of Glenlee is 37.5 feet while depth is 22.5 feet.
Glenlee’s first voyage took place 10 days following her launch from Ballast to Liverpool from which the vessel carried a cargo to Portland, Oregon. In 1919, she was renamed as Clarastella under the new owner Italian shipping Company Star of Italy who revamped the ship.
In 1922 the vessel was used as a training ship under the ownership of Officers’ Military Navy School. During this period too, Glenlee underwent some serious changes. For instance, a flying bridge was set up on the poop deck and lodging facilities were put in place to accommodate 300 cadets.
Following over 40 years of service as a sailing ship and training vessel, the Glenlee was used as a floating museum. However the site was forgotten and completely neglected and as a result the ship was slated to be scrapped. It was in 1990 that renowned British naval architect Dr. Sir John Brown who identified the importance of the vessel and in 1993 she was saved from being completely scrapped. Later on it was purchased by the Clyde Maritime Trust at an auction.
Lord Provost of Glasgow renamed the ship as Glenlee once again in 1993 when the vessel arrived 97 years later to the Glasgow Harbour.
Today the National Historic Ships Committee identifies Glenlee as an important part of the "Core Collection of historic vessels" in the UK. This intriguing floating museum provides interesting educational programmes, exhibitions and is the site for the West End Festival. Travellers can easily explore this unique museum by staying at a nearby Glasgow hotel renowned for offering top class facilities warm hospitality.