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CRUISING TO SCOTLAND:
GREENOCK (GLASGOW) CRUISE PORT |
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Greenock is the cruise port for Glasgow, Scotland. It is located on the south bank of the River Clyde by the Tail of the Bank.
The Greenock Ocean Terminal has two berths for cruise ships. It also has a cruise terminal building. Inside there are information desks and stalls selling local merchandise. It is a short walk into the center of Greenock. Alternatively, there are usually taxis at the cruise terminal. Glasgow is about 25 miles east of the port. There is frequent train service to Glasgow Central Station from Greenock Center and Greenock West stations. The trip takes between a half hour and 45 minutes. There is also bus service from Greenock to Glasgow. Greenock can also be the a base for exploring the Scottish countryside and attractions such as Loch Lomand and Stirling Castle. However, there are also things to do in Greenock itself. Greenock has a long history. It began as a fishing community. However, after a harbor was constructed in 1710, the town became impostant as a shipping center and for its shipbuilding. Among the ships built in the vicinity were the great liners Lusitania, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth 2. During the 19th century, Greenock also became important in texile manufacturing and suagr refining. During the second half of the 20th century, all of these industries had all but disappeared. As a result, Greeencok had to re-invent itself. It is now has a significant container port. The economy is also fueled by the call center business and by tourism. In May 1941, hundreds of German bombers attacked Greenock 280 people were killed and 1,200 were injured 1,000 homes were destroyed and 10,000 damaged. Although many historic buildings disappeared, many remain. The most prominent of these are the 75 meter high Victoria Tower and the adjacent Muncipal Buildings built in the 19th century when the town was at the height of its prosperity. Also of historical interest are the Customs House (1818) and the Old West Kirk The Inverclyde Tourist Group, a volunteer association of local residents, meets visiting cruise ships and gives complimentary walking tours of the town. The McLeen Museum and Art Gallery covers a variety of topics including local history and fine art. (It is currently closed for refurbishment – 2018). Fire fighting equipment is on exhibit at The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum. Another popular thing to do is to climb Lyle Hill, which lies in back of the town, for its panoramic views. 
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Above: The River Clyde.
Belwo: The Ocean Terminal building. 
Above: Cunard's Queen Elizabeth in Greenock.
Below: A fireworks celebration during a visit by Queen Mary 2. 
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Above left: Greencok's Municipal buildings and Victoria Tower.
Above right: A band and the port's mascot greet a cruise ship.
Above right: A band and the port's mascot greet a cruise ship.
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Cruise destinations - Scotland - Glasgow/Greenock - Cruise port