A PAIR of creative Greenock youngsters have reached new heights of fame after winning a competition to name two new cranes coming to the town's ocean terminal. 

Lady Alice Primary pupil Avaleigh Lang, 10, and St Mary's Primary pupil Frances McFadden, also 10, came up with pun-tastic monikers for the new structures, worth a combined £25m, as part of a competition run by Peel Ports Clydeport in partnership with Inverclyde Council.

Youngsters in schools across Inverclyde were asked to devise imaginative names for the 39-metre tall structures which are due to arrive at the busy port later this year.

Avaleigh chose Craner Swift as a nod to US pop icon Taylor Swift, and Frances came up with U-Crane Bolt to pay tribute to Jamaican Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt. 

The unveiling of the cranes will take place later in 2024, and Avaleigh and Frances will have their names added to a ceremonial plaque which will be displayed alongside the structures. 

Greenock Telegraph:
Peel Ports Clydeport has confirmed it will make a donation to each pupil’s school to support the purchase of new school supplies.

Jim McSporran, port director at Peel Ports Clydeport, thanked all of the children who took part in the competition and said the judges loved Avaleigh and Frances' suggestions. 

He added: "The names give a nod to the capabilities of our new cranes, so they were the standout choices.

"They really raised a smile within our team, and we hope interest within the wider community too.

"We'll be really pleased to have Avaleigh and Frances as our guests when we unveil Craner Swift and U-Crane Bolt, which will become an important part of our local skyline for decades to come."

Primary six pupil Avaleigh said: "I’m a big Taylor Swift fan and I’m really pleased to win."

Frances, also in primary six, added: "U-Crane Bolt made people in my class laugh, so it’s great to hear it was chosen as a winner."

The cranes are the largest single investment to be made at the container terminal.

Peel Ports Clydeport says the cranes will help to expand freight capability, improve efficiency and reduce the port's carbon footprint. 

Construction of the cranes has been completed in Ireland and they are expected to be fully operational in Greenock later this year.