Greenock, a town on Firth of Clyde, now ranked as most deprived community in Scotland.



River Clyde and Helensburgh from Greenock

This evening, I am reporting on Greenock, a town with population of 44,000 which is located on the south bank of the Firth of Clyde (River Clyde Estuary) about twenty-five miles west of Glasgow in the west of Scotland.

This post has been prompted by a recent press report that, using official government metrics, Greenock town centre now ranks as the most deprived community in Scotland, scoring just one out of ten for all indicators except access to amenities.

Paradoxically, about 100,000 visitors each year pass through Greenock but this is because of visiting cruise ships (over fifty each year) which berth there and disgorge their guests on short trips into Scotland.

Greenock has a recorded history of at least 500 years but came to prominence during the industrial revolution with emphasis on ship building. James Watt, who improved the steam engine which in turn powered the industrial revolution, was actually born in Greenock.

The name derives from the Gaelic grianaig and means 'at the sunny knoll'.

Greenock's former prosperity (during 19th and early 20th centuries) is manifested in grand public buildings which still exist.

Interesting facets of Greenock are:
  • Ocean Terminal (commercial port).
  • Water birds on the Clyde.
  • Renewed waterfront area.
  • Historic municipal buildings.
  • 18th century, Dutch Gable House.
  • Occasional busker performing in an underpass.
  • Historic churches.
  • Art Deco and other architecture.
Landscape view of Greenock and Firth of Clyde.


Greenock Waterfront

James Watt Statue, Greenock

Dutch Gable House, Greenock

Historic Municipal Building, Greenock

Greenock’s Shipbuilding Heritage remembered in underpass

Busker, Greenock

Greenock Westburn Church of Scotland

Greenock Sheriff Court

Former Art Deco Cinema, Greenock

Ocean Terminal, Greenock. This is the berthing place for cruise ships.

Eider Ducks on Firth of Clyde, Greenock
Here is a video clip of George Square in centre of historic Greeenock.

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