The future of Clydebank’s Titan Crane has been cast into doubt after it emerged there are no plans to carry out “extensive” repair works needed to reopen the landmark.
A symbol of the once world-famous shipyards which dominated the town, the crane is one of only four left standing tall on the banks of the River Clyde, having survived the Clydebank Blitz and the heyday of shipbuilding past.
But despite calls to preserve the 150ft structure, the council-owned company in charge of its operation says the work is being put on hold due to high costs.
The crane has been closed to visitors since 2018 and was originally expected to reopen within 12 months – but eight years on, it remains shut.
‘An important part of Clydebank’s identity’
STV NewsClydebank and Milngavie MSP Marie McNair is calling for the council to commit to investing in the Titan Crane’s reopening.
She said external funding may be available and has offered to help the authority apply for support to restore the structure.
She told STV News: “We need to get the Titan Crane opened as soon as possible. It’s an iconic industrial monument; you can see it all over Clydebank.
“The Titan Crane helped construct so many ships known throughout Scotland. It is important to our history and identity. We need to get a marketing strategy and put investment in to retain it.
“It’s really important for our young folk today to know about our history here. We can’t forget why we’re here: Clydebank was built on our shipbuilding and Singer sewing machines.”
People in the area say the crane is a much-loved feature of the town’s landscape.
STV NewsOne local resident said: “I live in these apartments and this is my view every day. The Titan means a lot to me.
“I look out the window and that’s what I see. I’d like to see it utilised the way it used to be and people enjoy it.
“I think because it’s such a nice walk along here, it would be nice if that was open for people to explore a little bit.”
One woman recalled seeing workers leaving the former John Brown’s shipyard.
“I remember working in Clydebank, watching all the men came out on a Friday night in flat caps to go home,” she said.
A local pensioner added: “It makes people think of shipyards. It should be a site for people to go to.”
At the end of March 2022, an inspection of the Titan Crane structure established the need for a further and more extensive programme of maintenance.
Glasgow City ArchivesClydebank Property Company, owned by West Dunbartonshire Council, is in charge of the crane’s operations but has never made sufficient money to cover its running costs, which currently stand at £234,000. Along with the other sites in the company’s portfolio, that’s led to an overall net loss of £60,000.
The crane, which has stood tall for 119 years, was restored and reopened as a visitor attraction in 2007 but extensive repairs, including repainting, forced its closure eight years ago.
Quotes obtained in 2024 were valued at between £1.1m and £7.4m.
The tender process for the work closed in September 2024, receiving bids of £1.129m and £7.364m. respectively.
Following a review, Clydebank Property Company decided not to proceed with full repainting at this stage. Instead, they say the focus will be on essential repairs and ensuring that the navigational lighting remains operational.
A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: “Essential maintenance continues to be carried out to ensure the Crane is safe and compliant.
“The Board has committed to undertake a wider strategic review of the long‑term future of the Crane including options for use, funding and investment.”
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