INVERCLYDE’S shipbuilding past and its close connection to the world-famous Cunard cruise line were celebrated at a special event run by local thespians.

A crowd of locals and visitors from the company's Queen Victoria ship were given a closer look at the area’s maritime heritage by a talented quartet of performers at the recently opened Scotts Greenock restaurant.

A framed copy of an historic handwritten contract drawn up between renowned Scottish shipbuilder Robert Napier, Captain Henry Woodruff and Samuel Cunard, was handed over to an Inverclyde Council representative as part of the special presentation.

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The document was an exact replica of the contract signed in 1839 which was for the construction of the first four Cunard liners, with two of the vessels built in Greenock and two built in Port Glasgow.

One of the event’s organisers, Greenock man George Byng, helped to build two Cunard liners during his time working in the shipyards and told the Tele it was important that local people were aware of the area’s proud shipbuilding legacy.

Greenock Telegraph: Inverclyde Council presented with copy of original Cunard contract

He said: “We have a fantastic history here in Inverclyde, but we don’t use it or exploit it to the same degree.

“For example, the original Queen Mary is docked at Long Beach in California and you can actually stay on board the ship for a couple of nights or have a meal or go to the dancing.

“The Americans do these things very well and people then engage in history, and I think it’s terrific.

“We wanted to bring that history to life and show people our area’s special connection with Cunard.”

The event was arranged to coincide with the visit of the Queen Victoria Cunard liner, which provided a stunning backdrop for the ceremony – but it also marked the 183rd anniversary of the maiden voyage of the RMS Britannia, the first ever Cunard liner.

Those who attended the event were treated to a number of terrific tunes played by piper John McLeod.

This was followed by speeches from Mr Byng, Chris O’Kane and Douglas Henry, which told the stories of the three men who signed the original contract.

The trio helped to bring the stories of the three men to life by dressing as Mr Cunard, Captain Woodruff and Mr Napier.

Their event drew so many onlookers that both balconies at the newly built restaurant were packed with people listening in.

Mr Byng said he was delighted to see locals and visitors take an interest in the area’s history.

He added: “I’ve got a strong emotional and intellectual attachment to the Clyde and its shipbuilding.

“I was very pleased with how things went today and I thought the reaction of the audience was good.

“They enjoyed the stories and I think it got people really engaged with the history of Cunard and this area.

“We built 24 ships for Cunard in Greenock and Port Glasgow with a 120-year relationship in shipbuilding between us.

“I don’t think there are many companies you can say that about.”

Sarah Christie, cultural services manager at Inverclyde Council, accepted the contract copy on behalf of the local authority.

She said: “This really drove home the point that Greenock and Inverclyde are part of a global maritime history and that’s a big part of the stories we like to tell at the Watt Institution.

“We’re always looking for new ways to get people interested in the history and heritage of the area and this feels like it’s been a proper celebration.

“To have a Cunard ship as the backdrop to that is even more appropriate.

“We’re going to keep the copy of the contract safe up at the Watt Institution, hopefully we’ll have a chance to put it out on display.

“But I believe the bigger plan is to meet to Cunard later in August and hand this off to them.”