We are deeply saddened to share the news of the death of our former Chair, Dr Christopher
Mason, in Lanzarote. The Tall Ship Glenlee Trust, along with our staff and volunteers, mourn
his passing.
Dr Mason worked tirelessly from 1991 until his retirement in 2012 to secure the restoration
and future of Glenlee. During that time, he witnessed the remarkable transformation of the
ship, brought back from Spain as a tired hulk, into the iconic landmark that today stands
proudly in front of the Riverside Museum.
Drawing on his experience as an academic lecturing in Economic History at the University of
Glasgow, his secondment to the Civil Service, and his thirty years as an elected
representative, first for Strathclyde Region and later as a Glasgow City Councillor for the
Liberal Party, he brought knowledge, imagination, and determination to his leadership of the
Clyde Maritime Trust Ltd. (now the Tall Ship Glenlee Trust Ltd.).
His vision and drive inspired others to join a long-term plan of restoration for this rare 19th-
century sailing cargo vessel, one of only five of its kind left in the world.
When Dr Mason retired in 2012, sailing westwards in his own yacht from Glenlee, many
were saddened to see him go but grateful for the dedication and care he had given both to the
ship and to the people involved in her story.
Beyond his work with Glenlee, Christopher Mason was noted for his commitment to
supporting people with autism, and in 2012, he was nominated as Glasgow’s Independent
Carer’s Champion. That same year, he was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday
Honours List for services to the tourism industry in Scotland, recognising his leadership as
Chairman of the Clyde Maritime Trust.
He also authored Five Thousand Days: The Voyages of the Clydebuilt Barque Glenlee
(Renamed Islamount 1899) under the Red Ensign 1897–1919, a comprehensive account of
the ship’s twenty-three years as a British trading vessel.
Glenlee Shortlisted for Prestigious Scottish Thistle Award!
We’re absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news from everyone here at the Tall Ship Glenlee — we’ve been named a regional finalist in the 2025 Scottish Thistle Awards!
We’re nominated in the Best Visitor Attraction – West of Scotland category, and this recognition means the world to us.
This nomination comes at a truly special moment in Glenlee’s journey. Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible growth and transformation, continuing to evolve as a place for learning, connection, and discovery. While Glenlee remains a proud Clydebuilt ship with over a century of history on her decks, she’s also a thriving, family-friendly attraction and events space that welcomes visitors from all over the world.
Being shortlisted for this prestigious award is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team — from our committed staff and volunteers to the supporters and visitors who bring the ship to life each day. Whether you’re exploring our historic decks, joining a school workshop, attending a wedding or event, or simply enjoying a refreshment in our onboard café, you are part of Glenlee’s story.
We’re honoured to be recognised in this way and grateful to all who have supported us on this journey. No matter what happens next, we’ll continue doing what we love: preserving Glenlee’s legacy, welcoming new visitors aboard, and creating unforgettable experiences for everyone who steps on deck.
Thank you — and here’s to the next exciting chapter!
On Sunday 29th June, the staff, volunteers, and trustees of the Tall Ship Glenlee swapped their usual decks for another historic vessel – the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, the iconic PS Waverley – for a long-awaited team outing doon the watter. And what a day it was! With the sun blazing down from a cloudless sky, it wasn’t long before many of us were sporting very nautical shades of red – not from uniform, but from sunburn.
Over the winter, the wonderful Waverley volunteers had shared our workshop to sand and polish many of the benches from their ship. It’s been a real pleasure to get to know them, admire their hard and painstaking work – and, most importantly, steal their biscuits!
From the moment we stepped aboard, we were treated like royalty. A warm welcome came over the tannoy from Iain Quinn, who gave Glenlee a special shout out, prompting a hearty cheer from our group as we steamed past our beloved ship. The sight of Glenlee from the Clyde was a moment of real pride for everyone on board.
We were well looked after throughout the day, with Colin keeping everything running smoothly and Carla, Waverley’s engineer chatting away with our Richard, holding a lively conversation in sign language, no doubt comparing stories of ship life.
The day unfolded in the best possible way – with laughter, shared stories, card games, and meaningful conversations. As we sailed down the Clyde, we were constantly reminded of our shared maritime history. The Waverley herself was built not far from Glenlee’s current home – at the Inglis Shipyard on the River Kelvin, now the site of the Riverside Museum – a living link between two remarkable ships that have stood the test of time.
We passed Port Glasgow, and with it, a special moment: a view of the area where Anderson Rodger’s Bay Yard once stood – the very yard that built and launched Glenlee in 1896. As we sailed by, our trustee Fiona pointed out Glenpark, the former home of Anderson Rodger himself, and the nearby Glenlee villa – the inspiration behind our ship’s name.
By the time we returned to shore, we were sun-kissed, wind-swept, and full of good cheer. More than just a jolly, the day was a celebration of friendship, shared heritage, and the community that keeps Glenlee’s story alive.
Here’s to more days like this – where past and present meet on the Clyde, and where the people behind Glenlee get a moment to reflect, recharge, and enjoy the journey.
With Aberdeen preparing to welcome the international fleet of the Tall Ships Races this July, it’s the perfect time for us aboard Glenlee to reflect on the significance of this event in our own recent history.
Back in 1999, the Tall Ships Races—then known as the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race—made a much-anticipated stop in Greenock before continuing north to Lerwick in Shetland. The Clyde was alive with maritime celebration, and among the many vessels open to the public that weekend, Glenlee held pride of place.
Image courtesy of Elizabeth Allen
An estimated 20,000 people came aboard Glenlee during the event, marking a major milestone in her journey. The ship had returned to the Clyde just a few years earlier in 1993 and was in Greenock as part of a drydock programme, undergoing the final phases of an intensive six-year restoration effort. That summer of 1999 saw Glenlee officially launched as a visitor attraction for the very first time.
Although we’re now proudly based in Glasgow, it’s fitting that Glenlee first opened her gangways to the public in Greenock—just downriver from Port Glasgow, where she was built in 1896. Her first public appearance took place in the very waters that launched her into the world, making it a homecoming of sorts, and a poignant beginning to her new life as a museum ship.
The Tall Ships Races are more than just a nautical spectacle—they are a celebration of international friendship, and cultural exchange. Organised by Sail Training International, the races bring together young people from across the globe to crew ships, build friendships, and learn skills that transcend borders. Each port city that hosts the fleet becomes home to a floating community of cooperation and camaraderie, reminding us of the power of shared experiences and the enduring bonds forged at sea.
Glenlee’s first home as a museum ship was at Yorkhill Quay—now the site of the Clydeside Distillery—before she made her way to her current berth at Pointhouse Place in 2011, where she continues to welcome visitors from around the world.
As Aberdeen celebrates the spectacle of sail this summer, we remember our own place in that shared tradition. Events like the Tall Ships Races don’t just honour maritime heritage—they also inspire new generations to connect with the sea, with history, and with the incredible stories that ships like Glenlee carry.
A few weeks ago, we had the profound honour and joy of welcoming Enrique Gómez Lopez and his two sons, Paco and David, aboard Glenlee. This was no ordinary visit—Enrique, now 87 years old, had served onboard the ship during the Galatea days from 1955 to 1957. For him and his family, it was a deeply emotional return to a ship filled with vivid memories.
In conversation with our Vice-Chair Elizabeth Allen, Enrique generously shared many stories from his time on the ship, painting a rich picture of life aboard Galatea. As a Specialist Corporal Cab, he was based primarily on the port side of the vessel. He recounted climbing the rigging many times, often barefoot, enduring the tough conditions sailors faced. He spoke of the ship’s unique sleeping arrangements: nearly 230 crew members sharing cramped quarters, with sailors sleeping on the floor and officers resting in hammocks hung from hooks.
He told us about the ship’s role as a rigorous training ground—how the officers, never the sailors, steered the helm, and how the ship would sometimes sail directly into storms to prepare the crew for dangerous sea conditions. Enrique’s journeys took him to diverse ports including Funchal (Madeira), Puerto Rico, Spanish Guinea, Cape Verde, the Dominican Republic, New York, Germany, and many others.
The visit was not only a trip down memory lane for Enrique but a profound gift for his family and for all of us fortunate enough to hear his stories. It was a vivid reminder of the ship’s remarkable history and the many lives it has touched. We are incredibly grateful to Enrique and his family for sharing these precious memories, and we remain committed to preserving all chapters of Glenlee’s history with the pride it so richly deserves.
Flags have long played a vital role in maritime culture. Historically, they’ve been used to declare national identity, signal intentions, and communicate between ships—particularly during times of war or diplomacy. Each flag tells a story, rich with meaning and context.
In the modern world, flags have taken on new dimensions. Beyond their traditional uses at sea, they are now powerful tools of expression on land—emblems of personal identity, solidarity, and belonging. At the Tall Ship Glenlee, we find ourselves in a unique position: a historic vessel moored permanently on the River Clyde, serving as a museum, an attraction, and an event space. We are at once a symbol of maritime heritage and a contemporary space that welcomes people from all walks of life.
This dual identity means that we often navigate between tradition and relevance. Some visitors—and even members of our own community—believe we should strictly adhere to maritime convention, flying the British Red Ensign (also known as the Red Duster), which proudly bears the Union Jack. This flag affirms our status as part of the UK’s National Historic Fleet and recognises Glenlee’s heritage as a British merchant navy vessel.
However, we believe our masts can—and should—tell a broader story.
Last summer, we chose to use this highly visible space to honour Glenlee’s rich and diverse international history by flying the national flags of the countries she sailed under during her 128 years afloat. The Saltire represents her Clyde-built origins; the Italian flag reflects her brief yet transformative chapter as Clarastella under private ownership; and the Spanish flag marks her six decades of service as Galatea, a training ship for thousands of naval cadets.
But our use of flags goes beyond history—it’s also a statement of our values.
Flying the Pride flag is a deliberate and meaningful act. It signals our commitment to creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Importantly, we choose to fly it year-round, not just in June. This isn’t about a temporary show of support during Pride Month; it’s a lasting expression of inclusion, allyship, and respect.
As custodians of the Glenlee, we recognise that heritage is not static. It evolves, just like the communities we serve. By using our masts to celebrate both the ship’s historic journey and our present-day values, we honour the past while steering toward a more inclusive future.
Happy Pride from everyone at the Tall Ship Glenlee. 🏳️🌈⚓
The Trustees and crew of Tall Ship Glenlee were saddened to hear of the death of Jim Ramsay last week. Jim was an important member of the group that organised the restoration of the ship when she returned from Spain in 1993.
A great deal of structural work was required on the vessel and Jim, an excellent draftsman, provided the very detailed careful plans and diagrams that set the scene for the subsequent work required to start to get Glenlee back into shape
A ship’s draughtsman, formerly with Scott and Sons Bowling Ltd – an important shipyard on the River Clyde, with a reputation for the quality and reliability of its workmanship – he was ideally equipped to draw excellent and beautiful plans for the half-deckhouse, the forecastle and its sidehouses, the poop with its deck beams, hatches and coamings all based on Glenlee’s 1896 specifications.
His valuable contribution provided a significant basis for the appearance of Glenlee that we see today and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude.
The Tall Ship Glenlee Trust is a registered Scottish Charity, accredited museum, and popular Glasgow visitor attraction/events venue welcoming over 100,000 visitors onboard per annum. From a Clydebuilt cargo vessel built in 1896 to a sail training icon of the Spanish Navy, The Tall Ship Glenlee has adapted to many changes over her 128-year history. The sail-powered cargo vessel circumnavigated the globe several times, underpinned by the famous Clydebuilt steel hull that has far outlived her original purpose;- when she found new life as a naval classroom for building maritime skills for over 70 years in Spain. Threatened with scrappage, the then Clyde Maritime Trust bought the ship with an ambitious restoration plan in 1992, which has enabled a new life for the ship in Glasgow. The Tall Ship continues to share stories of the people and places of the ship’s history while providing a unique space for learning, heritage, and community engagement.The Tall Ship Glenlee Trust also wholly owns the subsidiary business, Clyde Maritime Centre which is responsible for commercial activities and employment of staff in support of the visitor attraction and events venue.
Our Mission: The mission of The Tall Ship Glenlee Trust is to care for the Glenlee and share the history of ships built on the Clyde for the benefit of all to enjoy and learn through its unique maritime heritage.
Our Vision: The vision of The Tall Ship Glenlee Trust is to inspire people worldwide in the history and development of our iconic ship, Glenlee, through enjoyable, engaging, and informative experiences.
To ensure the right blend of support for our senior management and staff team, and to strengthen and complement our existing Board members’ diverse range of skills and experience, we are looking for new individuals with experience in at least one of the following areas:
▪ Business development and strategic planning
▪ Project Management
▪ Visitor attraction and hospitality management
▪ Legal / Charity Legislation and status
▪ Fundraising – Philanthropy and Donor Relationships
▪ HR/People Management
Minimum commitment on average 1-2 days equivalent per month to attend board meetings, in-house events and provide guidance when required.
Board meetings take place in person, quarterly on Tuesday mornings.
To apply please send your C.V. and a supporting statement by email to Fiona Greer – fiona.greer@thetallship.com
Deadline for applications is Monday 31st March 2025
Marine Projects Scotland Ltd has been awarded a prestigious contract to undertake the first phase of restoration and remedial work on the internal hull and steelwork of the historic Tall Ship Glenlee.
Funded by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), the overall project is valued at £1.8 million and will span a year. Glasgow-based Marine Projects Scotland will undertake the crucial first phase of works, helping to preserve the ship for future generations.
During this phase, the team will carry out extensive restoration works, including removal of the cargo hold deck boards and ballast to enable inspection and repairs to be carried out on the ship’s hull underneath.. Additional work will involve repairing the steelwork, shotblasting, non-destructive testing and applying new surface coatings to the new and existing steel. Other essential tasks include removal of the ships heating and sewage system to gain better access to restricted spaces, removing water ballast tanks, and evaluating the condition of ballast materials and gabions to secure the vessel’s long-term stability and integrity. The first phase of works is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2025 and the ship will reopen to the public for the busy summer season ahead.
Peter Breslin, Managing Director of Marine Projects Scotland Ltd said:
“We are honoured to be entrusted with the restoration of this remarkable historical vessel. Our team has extensive experience working with heritage vessels and is dedicated to preserving its legacy while ensuring it remains structurally sound for years to come.”
Fiona Greer, Development Director at The Tall Ship Glenlee, added:
“We are delighted to award this contract to Marine Projects Scotland, whose expertise and dedication to historical ship preservation are second to none. This first phase of works are a significant step in securing the future of The Tall Ship Glenlee, ensuring it continues to serve as a testament to maritime history for all to enjoy and learn from.”
The restoration project highlights Marine Project Scotland’s expertise in marine engineering and historical vessel preservation. Work has already commenced, with the first phase expected to be completed within the overall project timeline. A dedicated team, including 2 trainees, will be involved in the restoration efforts.
The overall restoration project will be project managed by maritime civil engineering consultancy, Beckett Rankine.
John Monasta, Associate Director from the Glasgow office said:
“We are thrilled to take on the restoration of this historic Tall Ship Glenlee, working closely with Marine Projects Scotland, to secure the future of this iconic vessel. This project is a testament to our commitment to preserving maritime heritage while ensuring the vessel is fit for future generations to enjoy.”
It is with great sadness that the Tall Ship Glenlee team learnt the passing of Joe Duffy on Thursday, October 31st.
Joe played a vital role in creating the ship’s popular Morse Code workshops, which have inspired countless schoolchildren to learn about the importance of marine radio and its place in maritime history. Through these workshops, particularly the Titanic sessions, children gained a hands-on understanding of a Radio Officer’s critical role at sea by using a Morse key to send and receive messages.
Joe, who served as a Radio Officer for nine years, had a natural ability to connect with children. His talent for translating Morse Code dazzled not only workshop participants but also his own grandchildren, who loved challenging him with messages typed into a Morse translator. This beloved activity, affectionately named the “Duffy Demo,” became a workshop highlight. The ‘tween deck of the Glenlee would echo with excitement as Joe translated “secret messages” for eager students, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.
Joe was part of a generation shaped by the Merchant Navy’s prominence as a major employer. At just 16 years old, he embarked on his seafaring career, becoming one of the youngest licensed officers in the British Merchant Navy. His passion for sharing his experiences and skills left an indelible mark on Glenlee community and all who had the privilege of learning from him.
Joe’s contributions to maritime education and his ability to inspire young minds will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.