Glasgow keen to embrace cruise ships

 

While many cities around the globe are keen to be rid of polluting large cruise ships, Glasgow in Scotland is keen to embrace them.

A proposal is being mooted to bring large cruise ships down the River Clyde all the way to Glasgow city centre, news portal Travel Mole reports.

"Ambitious plans" would see cruise ships dock at the King George V Dock in Govan.

Greenock, further outside the city, is currently the cruise ship gateway to the city of Glasgow. It is 36km away. 

Operator Peel Ports has presented a proposal to West of Scotland Member of the Scottish Parliament Russell Findlay, who is supporting it.

“Seeing cruise ships coming up the Clyde into the centre of Glasgow would be a huge boost to Scotland’s biggest city and I’m delighted to give my party’s full support,” he said.

“If this happens, it has the potential to bring in huge numbers of visitors which would not only help benefit the economy but rejuvenate the riverside.

“I would urge the Scottish Government and city council to encourage rather than stifle enterprising ideas like this.”

Local councillor John Daly is another who is in favour of the idea.

“I wholeheartedly support the plans from Peel Ports to bring cruise ships to the heart of the city,” he said.

“I am proud to represent this city and will always champion proposals like this which could deliver a much-needed jobs boost for Glasgow.”

Peel Ports says allowing cruise ships down the Clyde into Glasgow have been "discussed in principle" many times without success.

“The Port of Greenock remains the Clyde’s cruise terminal, following the major investments into the facilities over recent years,” Peel said.