An ambitious plan is under way to renovate Port Glasgow’s iconic replica of the paddle steamer Comet.

Leading engineer Henry Bell and his pioneering steamship the Comet paved the way for the Clyde’s place as a centre of shipbuilding and marine engineering. The Comet was the first commercial steam passenger service in Europe.

Comet Rebuilt will see the existing replica of The Comet lifted from its current position and transferred to Ferguson Shipbuilders. Elements of the replica will then be used in the refitting of a new model of The Comet, which will be undertaken as an employment and training project. The project is run in partnership with Inverclyde Council, The Trust at 7 ½ John Wood Street and Ferguson Shipbuilders.

Nine local people will be employed through the project, six of them through the Future Jobs Fund. The project is funded by Inverclyde Council’s Fairer Scotland Fund.

Read the whole story: Full steam ahead for Comet project (Inverclyde Now)