Down to the Sea in Ships: Water Transport in Scotland Through Time

This conference explores various aspects of water transport within and around Scotland over the last three or four centuries.

The human aspect of seafaring is revealed in talks about life aboard a 19th century sailing ship and waterside drinking places. Two talks focus on sources: Admiralty Court records, and two Glasgow shipping companies. As well as maritime history, the importance of late 18th and 19th century canals is not forgotten. Finally we sail on MacBrayne ferries around the west of Scotland. All talks are illustrated and non-members are most welcome.

Clydebank, the shipbuilding heart of the Clyde, situated near the end of the Forth and Clyde Canal, offers an appropriately themed venue, and its recently renovated Town Hall is easily accessible by rail, bus or car. There are also displays on Clydebank history, some ship models, and the Singer sewing machine collection.

Chaired by Prof Chris Whatley, the programme is as follows:

09.45-10.15 COFFEE & REGISTRATION

10.15-12.45 MORNING SESSION
Dr Eric Graham - Early Scottish maritime history
Sue Mowat - Nothing to do with the Navy: the Admiralty Court
Alan Blackwood - Life aboard a late 19th century windjammer
Tony Cooke - Waterside drinking places in Scotland

12.45-14.00 LUNCH BREAK

12.50-13.15 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Museum displays & slide show (from 13.30)

14.00-16.30 AFTERNOON SESSION
Prof John Hume - Puffers and other things: passengers on Scotland’s canals
Prof Paul Bishop - Mineral transport on the Forth & Clyde canal
Dr Martin Bellamy - Liners and tramps: researching the Anchor Line and William Burrell & Son
Ian McCrorie - The MacBrayne story

16.30 CLOSE

Book online or download the leaflet, complete application form and send with a cheque to SLHF.