Today, we share in the deep sadness felt around the world at the news that the historic vessel Falls of Clyde has been scuttled in Honolulu.
Built on the River Clyde in 1878, Falls of Clyde was a proud example of Scotland’s shipbuilding heritage and a symbol of the ingenuity, skill, and ambition that once made the Clyde the greatest shipbuilding river in the world. Her loss is a poignant reminder of how fragile our maritime heritage can be without sustained care, support, and investment.
Preserving ships like Glenlee requires not only technical expertise but also the dedication of volunteers, the commitment of communities, and the generosity of funders who understand that these vessels are living links to our past. The story of Falls of Clyde should strengthen our resolve to ensure that no other historic ship is left without the support it needs to survive. There are lessons to be learned here for all of us who care about our shared maritime story.
With the loss of Falls of Clyde, Glenlee now becomes one of only four Clydebuilt sailing ships of our type left afloat in the world. We will continue to honour her sister ships by safeguarding Glenlee for future generations, so that the legacy of the Clyde continues to inspire and endure.
— The Tall Ship Glenlee Team