Ginger the Horse

 

Introduction

This post is consequent on my recent visit to Greenock in the West of Scotland.

Information on the Equine Statue.

This is a story of loss and bereavement in context of working relationship between man and his working horse during the 19th century.

Greenock was an important port. Before mechanisation, powerful work horses laboured in the shipyards and pulled laden carts to and from the harbour and quaysides to factories and mills on the hillside.Reliable horses were loved and revered by their masters as they represented the cartiers primary income.

In the novel 'Dancing at the Rascal Fair' author Ivan Doig describes how on Oct 23rd 1889 Ginger was conveying a consignment of sugar on the quay at Albert Harbour when one of the cartwheels caught a mooring stanchion causing the cart and animal to fall into the water.This resulted in the drowning of the horse.The owner was inconsolable in his grief for his beloved horse and the sudden loss of his livelihood.

Greenock water front today 

 

Unfortunately, Greenock's economy has experienced decline in recent years. Originally, the town was busy with shipbuilding, sugar refining and engineering but these activities have given way to service industries and operation of a major cruise terminal.

More Information

For more information on Scotland’s industrial history, it’s cities and much more please refer to the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.