A new replica of Port Glasgow‘s much loved centrepiece is now being built – and it’s hoped it’ll be here for many years to come.
The replica of Henry Bell’s Comet is under construction at the specially built plinth that sits at what was the entrance to Port Glasgow shipyards many years ago.
Here are some pictures taken when the historic paddler appeared in the pages of the Telegraph.
(Image: George Munro)
There has been some discussion about what , if anything, should happen to the engine of the old Comet replica.
It has been suggested it could be put on display somewhere in Port Glasgow.
Much larger than some would think, the machine was photographed here during a refurbishment of the replica by Fergusons workers in 2010.
(Image: George Munro)
This picture shows the Comet replica being winched out of her resting place prior to being taken to a fabrication shed for her refurbishment.
The landmark chimney and cabin were removed beforehand to facilitated the lifting cradle.
(Image: George Munro)
This shot, taken from Port Glasgow Town Hall, shows the Comet surrounded by the beginnings of the town centre’s transformation after the completion of Tesco.
Shot in 2007, the picture also shows the construction of the new square or plaza opposite the town hall.
(Image: George Munro)
This was the sad state of the Comet in 2020 after the weather had taken its toll on the replica, causing Inverclyde Council to consider options for a replacement.
(Image: George Munro)
I took this picture when pupils of Newark Primary School got a chance to see the Comet close-up during its refurbishment.
Thanks to an access platform, the youngsters were able to see the interior and engine in detail.