With the final section (Superblock) for the second of the U.K.'s new Aircraft Carriers to be named as Prince of Wales it just remains for the guys at Rosyth who are assemling the carriers to put the last remaining blocks together in the dry-dock and sometime next year she will be joining her sister ship Queen Elizabeth in the fitting out basin for around another three years of work before she will be handed over for commissioning trials and then into the Royal Navy, it is to be hoped that by this time the U.K. will have aeroplanes in the form of the new F35's to fly from her decks.
For more on the story see the BBC website link
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Wednesday, 11 November 2015
Wednesday, 14 October 2015
SA WOLRAAD WOLTEMADE
We could not resist showing this great photograph taken by
D. Shackleton and sent into the Leith Shipyards website by L. Pollard.
Same photographer took the almost identical shot of her
sister ship the SA JOHN ROSS which had been built at a local South African
shipyard and was launched a bit after the Leith built SA WOLRAAD WOLTEMADE which just looked right.
SA WOLRAAD WOLTEMADE Z-TUG |
SA JOHN ROSS Z-TUG |
They show the two mighty ships arriving at Cape
Town for the first time ready to go about there work.
Don’t know about you but I know which ship looks the better
and leave you to choose your own preferred picture.
Saturday, 3 October 2015
Container Ship "El Faro" missing in hurricane.
As if it needed any reaffirmation of just how dangerous a life at sea can be we bring you the story of an American registered Container ship which is reported missing of the Bahamas as Hurricane Joaquin continued on it destructive way.
Our
thoughts go out to the crew and there families at this time.
El Faro in this BBC Picture
The
The 224-metre (735ft) El Faro, with
28 Americans and five Poles on board, was last heard from on Thursday and was
reported to be taking on water.
The ship - which was travelling
from
For more on the story see the BBC website.
|
Sunday, 27 September 2015
Fairfields Shipyards
The launch of HMS DRAGON in this posed picture
The Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company opened its new Govan yard in 1864 and was named after the once agricultural land it occupied.
Fairfields would become the greatest shipyard in a city that was responsible for 20 per cent of global production by 1913.
At its peak, the industry on the
While shipbuilding of course continues at the Govan yard on a somewhat smaller scale the The A-listed former Fairfields head offices and drawing rooms, which had lain empty for several years, were bought in 2009 by social enterprise Govan Workplace.
The refurbished buildings now provide office space for local businesses and is home to the Fairfield Heritage centre.
Surely a better use than turning it into another shopping centre?
Sunday, 20 September 2015
Last Surviving Building from Leith Shipyards to Re-Open
We are pleased to be able to tell you that the only remaining building from the Leith Shipbuilding era is to be re-opened as an art studio for budding artists to present there work.
This is the only remaining building that Forth Ports at the time never managed to knock down, which was no surprise as it was originally built to sustain attack from German Bombers during the dark days of World War Two.
Built at the request of the Admiralty to help protect all the many ship plans and drawings that were required to build all the many warships at the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd, such as Corvettes and Frigates for the Royal Navy during the six years of War.
They required a secure facility from the threat of fire from incendiary bombs dropped by German aircraft.
Hell what chance had Forth Ports of knocking it down when the German bombers could not do it.
The building was constructed the same as a traditional riveted ship's superstructure complete with riveted seams and ships portholes.
Also used as a first aid station and latterly as a chemical/paint store it is just good to report that some use has been found for the building.
The building is now some 150m away from where it was originally in what may be the only "Listed" building in Scotland to have been physically moved from its original place. (Read more on the website)
There are also plans to turn some of the building into a small museum space to show some shipbuilding items from this long almost lost history of hundreds of years of the art of shipbuilding at Leith, Scotland.
You will also see more of what the art group intend to do here at http://www.dokartistspace.org/
This is the only remaining building that Forth Ports at the time never managed to knock down, which was no surprise as it was originally built to sustain attack from German Bombers during the dark days of World War Two.
The last remaining building of hundreds of years of shipbuilding at Leith |
Built at the request of the Admiralty to help protect all the many ship plans and drawings that were required to build all the many warships at the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd, such as Corvettes and Frigates for the Royal Navy during the six years of War.
They required a secure facility from the threat of fire from incendiary bombs dropped by German aircraft.
Hell what chance had Forth Ports of knocking it down when the German bombers could not do it.
The building was constructed the same as a traditional riveted ship's superstructure complete with riveted seams and ships portholes.
Also used as a first aid station and latterly as a chemical/paint store it is just good to report that some use has been found for the building.
The building is now some 150m away from where it was originally in what may be the only "Listed" building in Scotland to have been physically moved from its original place. (Read more on the website)
There are also plans to turn some of the building into a small museum space to show some shipbuilding items from this long almost lost history of hundreds of years of the art of shipbuilding at Leith, Scotland.
You will also see more of what the art group intend to do here at http://www.dokartistspace.org/
Saturday, 19 September 2015
Leith Built Ferry leaves the U.K.
ST HELEN Ship No 535 now named as ANNA MUR |
The ex ST HELEN now named as ANNA MUR owned by Delcomar has now left the waters of the U.K. heading for her new home port in the Island of Sardinia.
The last ship built at Leith as Ship No 535 has finally left the British Shores for warmer climes. She will soon join her sister ship the ex ST CATHERINE (GB CONTE) working in the warmer waters of the Mediterranean. ST HELEN sailed for Italy as Delcomar's Anna Mur on Thursday 17th September, leaving Southampton at just gone 13:00.
She left via the Western Solent via the needles and gave several blasts to those of us who came to see her off near Hurst point. The following video is shown here and produced by Anni at (Wightlink) who was there to see her off, Anni spent many years working on both the Saint Class ferries built at the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd.
Here's some video of her blasting farewell...
https://youtu.be/CLI4gTwuG1o
You will be able to see much more about the last two ships built at Leith on the website Many more stories and photographs to go in so keep checking back with www.leithshipyards.com
Leith Ferry in warmer waters
The ex ST CATHERINE now named as GB CONTE and owned by Delcomar seen in warmer waters.
GB CONTE ex ST CATHERINE |
GB CONTI seen here in Sardinia
on the right of this photograph from Anni (Wightlink) taken on a visit to see
the ex ST CATHERINE now working away in the sunshine for Delcomar.
She is looking as good as new some 30 years after being
launched as Ship No 534 from the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd.
Here is a nice video taken by Anni as she joined the old
ferry for a few trips in the warm waters of the Island
of Sardinia .
https://youtu.be/5rDkQVm1hcQ
She is soon to be joined by her sister ship the ST HELEN
now called ANNA MUR
Thursday, 3 September 2015
Merchant Navy Day
The Red DusterMerchant Navy DaySince 2000, Merchant Navy Day on 3 September has honoured the brave men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both World Wars, and celebrated our dependence on modern day merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95% of the UK's imports, including half the food we eat.For more click here |
Monday, 24 August 2015
HMS EDINBURGH
HMS EDINBURGH
HMS Edinburgh sets sail for scrap in Turkey
A HISTORIC Navy destroyer left Britain for the last time to be sold for scrap in Turkey after a campaign to turn it into tourist attraction in Edinburgh ended in failure.
It had been hoped that HMS Edinburgh, the last of the Royal Navy’s Type 42 destroyers, would find a new home in Leith. But after proposed costs for the venture were deemed too high, the ship – the largest in its class – was sold to a Turkish scrap merchant, a fate which befell her sister ships, HMS Manchester and HMS Liverpool. Click for more on HMS EDINBURGH
|
Labels:
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Thursday, 20 August 2015
Under the Italian Flag
As the ex ST HELEN is prepared for her voyage out to Sardinia as the ANNA MUR she will now be flying the Italian flag proudly on her stern.
The ANNA MUR will be taking passengers and cars while sailing in the warmer waters off the coast of Sardinia now that she is being looked after by Delcomar, it is hoped that she will have many useful years left to fly the flag.
Tuesday, 18 August 2015
ST HELEN Re-Named
We are happy to let you know that the last ship launched at
the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd bringing to an end some 660 years of
recorded shipbuilding history in the Port
of Leith , is now been looked after
by her new owners.
ST HELEN Ship No 535 has been re-named to ANNA MUR BY HER NEW OWNERS
Delcomar of Italy with a new registration port
of Cagliari .
She is still at her berth at Hythe being looked after by her
new crew from Delcomar and with a new lick of paint and other necessary
maintenance work she will soon be ready to take up her new role in Sardinia.
Working along side her sister ship ST CATHERINE which has been out there for a couple of
years now and also re-named to GB CONTE
ST HELEN Re-named as ANNA MUR
Photograph of the re-named ANNA MUR sent in to the website
by Anni
|
Monday, 17 August 2015
J. Bolson & Son Ltd, shipyard
We like to bring you the
old and the new in shipbuilding and like to feature some of the perhaps less
known of the shipyards, which all formed the mighty shipbuilding industry that
used to be prevalent in the British
Isles .
This small to medium
shipyard was based in the south of England on the Dorset coast in the town of
Poole, a place perhaps better known today for it’s very wealthy residents in
there very expensive house’s.
This old yard had a pretty
long history of building fine ships and in fact the yard also built the very
first U.K. built offshore supply ship Yard No 552 and named
as NORTH SHORE along with many other types of ship.
The Bulk Carrier MV CHICHESTER CITY Yard No 571 ready for launch 1968
We are pleased to feature
many original photographs from the shipyard from the 1960’s all sent into the
Leith Shipyards website by an ex-Draughtsman (John King) who was employed at the Bolson
shipyards for many years until closure.
This
particular draughtsman in fact ended up in his own business still in the
maritime world and was in fact the last owner of the MV CRESSWEL Ship No
474 and launched from the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd in 1959
Many more exclusive and
original photographs can be found on the ship photo’s pages on the website.
Part of this old shipyard
is now the well know yacht makers “Sunseeker”
Sunday, 16 August 2015
Aircraft carrier section leaves Clyde shipyard
Lowe Block 04 Prince of Wales
A massive 11,200-tonne section of an aircraft carrier built on the Clyde has begun its journey around the coast of Scotland to Rosyth for final assembly.
The section, called Lower Block 04, is the largest part of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
It is 20 metres high, 80 metres long and comprises a fifth of the overall vessel.
We like to bring you news of new and old shipbuilding matters, for more on this story and some very good photographs please see the rest on the BBC website.
|
Sunday, 2 August 2015
Largest aircraft carrier section floated
Another of the many "Super Blocks" which once joined together will form the second of the Royal Navies new "Aircraft Carrier Force" was successfully floated out at Govan Shipyard in Glasgow last week.
Block 04 of the CVF "Prince of Wales" in Glasgow The interesting thing for me in the photograph above from the BBC/Scotland website is the massive "Aft" poppet arrangement, built under the after lower hull to support the huge weight of the hull until she is joined together and floats. An 11,200 tonne aircraft carrier section has taken to the water for the first time on the Clyde.
Lower Block 04 is the largest hull section of HMS Prince of Wales.
For more from the BBC website see here
|
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
BRITISH COAST VIDEO
The MV BRITISH COAST Maiden voyage |
The MV BRITISH COAST Model on her maiden voyage seen here in the U-Tube Video.
http://youtu.be/ydxOHD289nU
For more photographs visit the website at www.leithshipyards.com
The BRITISH COAST Sails once more
The model of the Leith Built MV BRITISH COAST has now been put to the test in the water by her maker Steve, and she passed with flying colours.
Steve Heward seen here guiding his model of the Leith Built MV BRITISH COAST
We will have lots more photographs and video on the website soon at www.leithshipyards.com
We will have lots more photographs and video on the website soon at www.leithshipyards.com
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
China ship capsize
'Race against time' in Yangtze rescue
As ever yet another stark reminder of the perils of being on the water, inshore or deep sea.
For more on this sad tale see the BBC link
Friday, 29 May 2015
HMS NESS - Model
Pleased to show the model of HMS NESS which has just been completed by Andy Forrest, and sent into the website where we shall feature many more photographs of the model.
Built and launched at the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd, the "River Class" Frigate was launched in July 1942 (Ship No 326) as the first of Six such ships built at the yard during times when the Nation needed as many ships as possible to help in the battle against the U-Boats, a battle at one time which could have meant the end for the British Isles but for such ships and the men of the Merchant Marine who sacrificed so much to keep the country supplied so they could continue the fight against the enemy.
The model is shown in her wartime camouflage colours. Camouflage is the 3 colour Western approaches scheme and reflects the Ness shortly after commissioning.
Keep checking the website for the many up-dates on this project.
Another picture of the Ship Model below showing some of her Aft end details,
HMS NESS Aft end details |
Monday, 25 May 2015
Three Queens River Dance
Interesting video to mark Cunards 175th anniversary, just a pity that none of the ships where built in the U.K.?
Click on the highlighted link to watch the video
Labels:
7-0,
Cunard,
Cunard Cruises,
Cunard Liners,
maritime research,
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Sunday, 24 May 2015
Model of the SCOT II
Pleased to announce that the start of a model build is now under way and at approx 1/25th scale being made by "ace" model maker Steve we shall have some photographs to record this feat in its entirety as the model progresses. (Keep checking the Leith Shipyards website)
The model is being built to original drawings and will be based on her original steam engine condition (pre-1960's) as she was intended before her conversion to diesel power in the 1960's by the Leith Shipyard of Henry Robb Ltd.
The SCOT II was launched at Leith as Ship No 184 in 1931
The only Leith built ship on the British Historic Register, and it is hoped that the actual vessel will also be restored to her former glory in the fullness of time.
The model is being built to original drawings and will be based on her original steam engine condition (pre-1960's) as she was intended before her conversion to diesel power in the 1960's by the Leith Shipyard of Henry Robb Ltd.
The SCOT II was launched at Leith as Ship No 184 in 1931
The only Leith built ship on the British Historic Register, and it is hoped that the actual vessel will also be restored to her former glory in the fullness of time.
SCOT II ice breaking historical ship |
Thursday, 21 May 2015
Good news for Glasgow’s two Shipyards
It has just been announced that instead of
closing one of the two remaining main shipyards in Scotland, that BEA will now make a large
investment that shall ensure the future of the two yards for a good few years to
come.
The Govan
shipyard will be expanded under the £100m investment plan
For more on this story see the BBC website
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
Historic Ship SCOT II
SCOT II Steelwork
Just as an example of what was and what is now with regard
to the condition that the old historic ship is now in and just looking at some
of the photographs taken at her last survey before the waterways sold her on,
would make any old shipbuilder just shake his head while containing the many
expletives that would want to burst forth.
Just what the F**k were they thinking!
Just what the F**k were they thinking!
SCOT II Ship No 184 almost un-recognisable |
Difficult to put into
words, what can be said about this conversion attempt circa 2005
It has to be said that her steelwork was still
in pretty good condition after some 75 years the majority of the time spent in
fresh water. As the photograph below shows taken as part of her last survey in 2005/6
SCOT II Steelwork circa 2005/6 |
All that changed when she was sold and she ended up sunk in
the salt water of Ardyne Point where she sank and was under water for 10 months just a few years later.
SCOT II Steelwork circa 2010 |
Her steelwork is still in pretty good condition but for how
much longer without the proper care that she needs sooner rather than later.
With any luck she will not have too much longer to wait
before some serious work can be carried out on her to begin her proper restoration.
Keep checking the Blog and website for regular updates, and
once the work begins for real we shall be following the progress on the website
and on the Blog.
Monday, 18 May 2015
Ship Photographs
To help anyone who has ship photographs that they wish to see on the Blog and website, please send email in first instance to the website email. info@leithshipyards.com
From here you will receive instructions of how your photographs and stories will be shown on the website at www.leithshipyards.com
The interest shown in the Blog and the website is much appreciated and much more than could ever have been imagined.
Thursday, 7 May 2015
ST HELEN awaits new owners
The last of the Leith built Ships ST HELEN Ship No 535 launched in 1983 is at present laid up and waiting on her new owners sprucing her up and she will then go to the warmer waters of the Mediterranean to join her sister ST CATHERINE while she sits on the mud at Hythe twice a day she will be fine once her new owners Delcomar go to work with the paint and soon she will be ready for her welcome new role in the sunshine.
ST HELEN laid up at Hythe at low tide while she awaits her new owners to take her to Italy
(photo by Doug Coulson)
ST HELEN laid up at Hythe at low tide while she awaits her new owners to take her to Italy
(photo by Doug Coulson)
Sunday, 3 May 2015
Model of the BRITISH COAST finished
After some 2 years of painstaking work and no little amounts of skill and patience we are pleased to tell you that the scale model of a ship designed and built at the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd as Ship No 198 and originally launched in 1933 has now been completed.
The model has been built by Steve a Brit who is now ensconced in the middle of Canada many miles away from any sea.
Such is the detail in this model right down to her ropes and wires that we feel the model could well be shown in a museum and not look out of place.
You can see much more of this fine model and her build process on the main website at
The model has been built by Steve a Brit who is now ensconced in the middle of Canada many miles away from any sea.
Such is the detail in this model right down to her ropes and wires that we feel the model could well be shown in a museum and not look out of place.
You can see much more of this fine model and her build process on the main website at
www.leithshipyards.com
Sunday, 26 April 2015
ST HELEN Retired
The final ship launched from the Leith Shipyards ST HELEN Ship No 535 has now been retired from British waters by her owners WightLink.
Retirement cake for the passenger ferry ST HELEN
St Helen retired after the
Amongst our guests were children from St
Helen's primary school who were invited because her first passengers in 1983
were children of that very same school.
Her final traffic was led onboard by a 1983
Rover SD1 police car with it's blue lights flashing.
A buffet and cake was enjoyed onboard and she was
given a salute of numerous blasts by St Clare as she left Fishbourne.
For more on the story visit ST HELEN |
Sunday, 5 April 2015
BRITISH COAST-Ship Model
The build of the BRITISH COAST model ship continues with a launch date approaching soon and as you can see from these photographs the model of this famous old Leith built Ship is looking very good with lots of work, time and attention to detail going into the making of the model, the finished vessel will be put into the water as a real working model.
You will see many more photographs of the building of this fine model on the website and we would encourage any other model making enthusiasts out there to send in your pictures of your particular model build, especially if it has a connection to a Leith Shipyard.
The BRITISH COAST almost near completion and looking very good in the late winter sunshine.
A lot of her original woodwork is replicated here as well to show her open bridge and decking
This photograph shows her builders name plate as Henry Robb Shipbuilders, Leith
You will see many more photographs of the building of this fine model on the website and we would encourage any other model making enthusiasts out there to send in your pictures of your particular model build, especially if it has a connection to a Leith Shipyard.
The BRITISH COAST almost near completion and looking very good in the late winter sunshine.
The Starboard light is detailed and it works as well
A lot of her original woodwork is replicated here as well to show her open bridge and decking
This photograph shows her builders name plate as Henry Robb Shipbuilders, Leith
Sunday, 29 March 2015
Hope yet for a Leith Maritime Museum!
No actual Maritime term used, but at least some progress
with the potential use of the old custom house in Leith . Time as ever will tell for more on this story see the link below from the Edinburgh Evening News.
Monday, 2 March 2015
SCOT II Photo's March 2015
This is going to be one hell of a restoration project and we look for help worldwide.
Can we do it (to quote someone else! YES WE CAN!
All help and enquiries most welcome, soon there will be a website where you can join the friends of the Save the SCOT II Society.
Can we do it (to quote someone else! YES WE CAN!
All help and enquiries most welcome, soon there will be a website where you can join the friends of the Save the SCOT II Society.
Sunday, 15 February 2015
SCOT II restoration Project - Now a registered Charity
Scot II restoration revived
Appeals for funds and help will now begin and if anyone out
there feels that they can contribute any small way then don’t hesitate to
contact, no amount of help or funds is too small or large.
The Blog will feature regular updates on progress and it is
hoped that once things get into full swing we can follow the progress of her
restoration here on the Leith Built Ships Blog.
Saturday, 14 February 2015
ST HELEN Ship No 535-Builders Plate
We feature the builders plate from the ST HELEN seen in this photograph sent in by senior steward Anni on the ST HELEN just a couple of weeks ago in the Solent.
She was of course built when the shipyard had reverted back to its original name of Henry Robb Ltd although still a part of the "Quango" that was "British Shipbuilders" at the time.
Quango is an acronym used especially in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Quangos are arms-length bodies funded by government departments but not run by them. They are given power and paid for by government departments
Sign of the times that the builders plate was made from stainless steel gone was the traditional "Brass builders plate"
She was of course built when the shipyard had reverted back to its original name of Henry Robb Ltd although still a part of the "Quango" that was "British Shipbuilders" at the time.
Quango is an acronym used especially in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Quangos are arms-length bodies funded by government departments but not run by them. They are given power and paid for by government departments
Sign of the times that the builders plate was made from stainless steel gone was the traditional "Brass builders plate"
Henry Robb Ltd Shipbuilders, Leith |
Thursday, 5 February 2015
Hibernian Supporters Limited (HSL)
This group we feel is going in the right direction so we are happy to let our readers know about the efforts to turn this great old club around. (We have removed the other group)
The shipyards of Leith (All of them) have long had a connection to Hibernian Football Club (Hibs)
and as such the Blog at Leith Built Ships are happy to do a little bit to publicise an intended Supporters Buy Out to return the Football club to the supporters of the team.
The organisation has been set up and a website is now on-line for any pledges of support to return this fine club to it's rightful place in Scottish Football, innovators since 1875 so who knows this may well help return the Glory Days to Easter Road Stadium.
The shipyards of Leith (All of them) have long had a connection to Hibernian Football Club (Hibs)
and as such the Blog at Leith Built Ships are happy to do a little bit to publicise an intended Supporters Buy Out to return the Football club to the supporters of the team.
The organisation has been set up and a website is now on-line for any pledges of support to return this fine club to it's rightful place in Scottish Football, innovators since 1875 so who knows this may well help return the Glory Days to Easter Road Stadium.
The following is from the official website:-
Hibernian SupportersLimited (HSL) has been established with simple and clear objectives:
·
To raise funds to purchase shares in Hibernian Football Club, and
·
To hold those shares for the benefit of all supporters and the community.
There is strength in
solidarity and the more funds we can raise the more shares we can buy. We
have a legally binding agreement with the Club that enables us to buy shares
with the funds we raise. This agreement is open ended and is not limited
by the closing date like the option supporters have if they elect to buy
direct.
We have the
opportunity to own our Club and it is up to us all to take that opportunity and
I would encourage you to visit our donation page and either make a lump sum contribution
or sign up to a direct debit and pay monthly. Either way you can be safe
in the knowledge that the money contributed will go a long way to securing the
future of our Club.
This is the start of
the journey to something we as supporters have been calling for - FAN
ownership.
www.hiberniansupporters.co.uk/
Tuesday, 13 January 2015
Expensive Grounding in the Solent
From our reporter on the spot Anni Ruecroft (Wightlink Steward)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-30673439
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-30673439
Labels:
Car Carrier,
Grounded in the Solent.,
Hoegh Osaka
Monday, 12 January 2015
More on ST HELEN
The WightLink Ferry ST HELEN seen here about a week ago in Portsmouth photograph is copyright by Anni Ruecroft and shown here by permission We now have a whole lot more information on the two St Class ships built at the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd and these two fine ships where the last of a very long line of ships built at Leith in Scotland. Thanks to Anni Ruecroft (Senior Steward) who began her working life with WightLink and started out working on the ST HELEN is a mind full of information on the two ships and we will be featuring her story of working on the ships along with many great never see before photographs so please keep checking back on the website for further information and videos of the last ships built at Leith. |
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