Watching from the Wheelhouse

Watching from the Wheelhouse has given new life to a historic vessel which is on The National Historic Ships Register by creating a unique viewing platform with uninterrupted views over the SSSI Bogside Flats.

Scotland’s only surviving Harbour tug, the ex ICI vessel the TB Garnock, is of incredible historical importance. This project provides access to the vessel allowing the Museum to tell the story of the vessel, Garnock Wharf, ICI and the Irvine Harbour. The bridge of the Garnock has been restored and a digital eyepiece will be mounted on the mast providing a controllable output to screens in the Boatshop allowing visitors to view the wildlife on the Bogside flats in detail, from on deck or the comfort of the Boatshop!  

Work on this project was undertaken by trainees and volunteers, and supervised by the Museums technical and curatorial staff. Tours of the Garnock can be arranged (depending on the weather and tides), aimed at school and general public visits led by the Learning and Access Officer at the Museum with support from their visitor services staff and volunteers.

The TB Garnock is available to other local community and organised groups for educational and awareness programmes. The work on this project will link with the Working Voices oral history project that curated stories from ICI workers, Harbour workers and seamen that worked in the area, which is now a permanent exhibition in the Linthouse Building.