Clutha model
Model of Clutha No. 9, 1891 T.1964.6.a
In the late 19th century, Glaswegians sailed up and down the Clyde on Cluthas. They were especially popular with dockworkers and shipbuilders.
Comment by Alison Reid
We had a double birthday celebration on the seaplane from Glasgow – it was fantastic, and so accessible. We taxied down the river waiting for other traffic to clear so had excellent views of the Tall Ship and new Riverside Museum, and it was remarkably smooth. It was a revelation seeing the river in context with the landscape around the city and the wider firth. Being able to make out people and details from the seaplane was wonderful, so close it felt like you could reach out and touch it. Seeing the cloud conditions and the changing light, flying alongside rainbows rather than looking up at them. Spectacular
From: Alison Reid
Comment by Neil Symington
We took the Pride O’ The Clyde up to Braehead a few years ago. It was brilliant to be on the river – you don’t realise how much it twists and turns. Enjoyed seeing the historic buildings and new developments along the way but found the derelict shipyards a bit sad. It sure beat taking the bus along Glasgow’s congested streets though.
From: Neil Symington
Comment by Gio Robertson
I went on the Zap Cats at the River Festival on the Clyde. Had to hang on pretty tight or I’d have ended up in the river. It was great fun. Mind you, getting manky Clyde water in my mouth wasn’t quite so nice
From: Gio Robertson
Question by Glasgow Museums
Would you like to see more activity on the Clyde? What would you introduce? Would you commute on the water? After all you can get to work on the water in London and Sydney – would it be welcomed again here? Maybe you’ve already tried commuting on the Clyde – decades ago, or just last week?
Eyewitness - letter to the Evening Times, 1889.
Non-smoking passengers were obliged to travel on deck, a very uncomfortable experience on cold winter mornings. Many passengers had a choice of death by suffocation from tobacco smoke or dust, or freezing on the exposed upper deck.
From: letter to the Evening Times, January 1889
