For more than two centuries, the River Clyde has provided an artery for the industry and commerce of Glasgow while the Firth of Clyde has served as the playground for the population of the city, from the captains of industry to the most humble labourer.  Over the years the role of each of these two geographic areas has changed and the interplay between them provides a fascinating backdrop on the development of the West of Scotland.  There is no dearth of literature on the subject and this site will draw on much of this material.  There will be some focus on the early years of the use of steam in marine propulsion and marine engineering.  The development of the tourist trade in the area is another area that will focus on early accounts of the resorts both in text and in picture.  The great engineering feat of deepening the river to allow the flow of commerce into the center of Glasgow and making it a center for the construction of some of the largest vessels of the age adds a further dimension to the story.

Old images are used extensively to illustrate the text.  Early photographs from guidebooks are particularly prized but older engravings and drawings are also most useful in complementing what is written.  Indeed in many instances the illustrations will guide the text.  The above image of the Kyles of Bute dates from 1866 and is by Thomas Annan.  It appears in a special edition of Days at the Coast, a classic written by Hugh MacDonald in 1857.