McLean Museum, Greenock

I was completely fascinated to visit the new McLean Museum in 2008. It's in the same building as the Watt Library; in fact, as a child I used to go up the old stone stairs at the back of the library which would take me to the gallery where the natural history museum was in those days. Usually it was deserted and I would wander round and round for ages looking at the stuffed animals, birds' eggs, butterflies, insects and many other interesting things. Now the building has been renovated and modernised and it is quite different. The old staircase isn't used any more (though it is still there behind a door - I was shown where it was when I asked where it had gone!) Some of the old features remain (and some of the original stuffed animals too) but there are many new categories - not just natural history but collections from many cultures across the centuries, industrial, marine, local and social history. There is a great deal to see and I need to return when there is more time (and my poor husband isn't having to wait for me in the car)!

Here is the link to the McLean Museum website

Watt Library, Greenock

This place holds very special memories for me of when it was the main lending library in the town (with a great children's section) and I was a very proud member for a few years in the late '50s/early '60s! I just loved being brought in here by my mother or aunties to browse the books and take one or two away for a week - I could have spent hours in here even then! I also managed to obtain a temporary membership when I stayed for summer holidays as an older child and teenager.

I revisited in October 2008 to take the photos below. I was thrilled to see the statue of James Watt, which used to fill me with awe when I was young (actually, I confess it still did!) The library is still beautiful inside but has seen many other changes throughout the years. Of course, now, it is mainly a local history and genealogy library although still apparently a lending library too with adult and children’s books to borrow. There are also computers, talking books and a photocopier there now which were certainly not around in my day!

The Greenock Cut 2

One of our favourite walks, which is in the hills above Greenock and close to Loch Thom; we usually start at the Cornalees Centre (below) which is a good place to have a drink and a snack afterwards! These photos were taken in October 2008.

Inverkip and the Clyde from the Cut

A farm close to the Cut and path - you can see a closer photo in my previous blog here, plus more information about this beautiful area

Beow, a waterfall near to the Cornalees Centre (closer in the video clip at the end)

Outerwards Reservoir

A few scenes from beside this small reservoir in Brisbane Glen a few miles inland from Largs along the lovely road to Loch Thom. Noddsdale Water flows from here into Largs Bay.

Below, looking south - you can just see the Clyde in the distance


Outerwards Reservoir


Looking north into the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

Gryfe Reservoir

A collection of photos of the larger of the two reservoirs of the same name, which were completed in 1872 (after the others in the group). They are found to the east of Loch Thom - I shall reproduce the same map from my previous post which shows all the reservoirs in this area. All photos were taken from the road along the south bank in October 2008.

The small island in the reservoir, close to its western end

Compensation Reservoir

You can see this Inverclyde reservoir in the map above (click to see a larger size), to the west of Loch Thom. In October we walked up the long western side of the reservoir to the dam at the top, where the waters of Loch Thom feed from its north-western end into the reservoir below. It was a raining for much of the time so not the best conditions for photography yet again!

Looking towards the narrowest point of the reservoir

Loch Thom Cottage standing alone at the top of the reservoir, half hidden in the trees (and some blue sky making an appearance for a very short while!)


One of the muddy paths we followed, looking back towards Cornalees, where we started out

At the north end of the reservoir, showing the channel which carries the water down from Loch Thom. On the left (above) you can just see the two pillars shown below:

Rather corroded and difficult to read in parts, but it was good to see something there in recognition of Robert Thom who designed the whole scheme back in the 19th century

Edward Wilson (I can't find out anything about him but I'm still searching)

The walls of the channel with a small footbridge over the top...

...and Geoffrey sheltering from the rain underneath while I went off with the camera!

The small dam at the top of the reservoir. The video below shows the top end of Loch Thom. Once again it was difficult to hold the camera steady in the strong winds up there that day!