McNeil
to get Greenock Cut Restoration Update
MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan
McNeil, will today see the progress which is being made with the £1 million
project to restore the Greenock Cut.
Speaking on a visit to the
historic aqueduct, Mr McNeil said:
“I well remember playing up
the Cut as a youngster and I’m delighted that, thanks to this work, future
generations will be able to do the same.
“But not only is this
project preserving and revitalising an invaluable piece of our industrial
heritage, it is providing local jobs and investment. And, restored to its former glory, the Cut might encourage
more of us to get out, take a bit of exercise and explore our natural
environment. It will also attract
more visitors to the area and help educate local young people about this key
chapter in our history.
“I’m very impressed with
the progress which is being made and can’t wait to see the finished
article.”
The Greenock Cut, an aqueduct
constructed 180 years ago to help provide the town with water power to turn the
wheels of industry, is one of Scotland’s oldest and most remarkable feats of
civil engineering.
It is a Scheduled Ancient
Monument of national importance on archaeological and historical grounds.
The £1million regeneration
package will restore the aqueduct’s embankments, sluices and bridges. The
aqueduct’s infrastructure will be restored to its original condition,
promoting its educational and ecological value and providing access for all. The
environment and wildlife will benefit with the planting of hedges and trees.
The Cut was created by Robert
Thom, who was drawn to civil engineering through his involvement with
Scotland’s first cotton mill at Rothesay in the 1780s. He
experimented with hydraulics on Bute before crossing to Greenock. Thom’s
brainchild is still a source of pride to many and currently 30,000 people walk
along it annually, attracted by the magnificent views across the river to
Dumbarton Rock, Ben Lomond and the Argyllshire hills and south to the Firth of
Clyde and Arran.
ENDS
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