Greenock Model Yacht and Power Boat Club seeks new members

The Greenock Model Yacht and Power Boat Club is based at Murdieston Dam and dates back to 1874.

The historic club has survived two world wars and has retained its appeal over three different centuries - and it's now the second oldest club of its kind in the UK.

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro)

Alan Westlake, commodore and secretary of the club, said: "It's still very popular. The membership keeps it going.

"It was purely wind power to start with. The vane turned the rudder into the wind.

"In the late 50s and 60s, radio controlled boats came about.

"Back then, and in the 70s, people would build their own models, while it was a shipbuilding town.

"We are trying to attract young members, but it can be an expensive hobby.

"People build the boats from kits which can cost around £300 to £400 - if you buy one off the shelf it can cost between £2,000, and £3,000 but it's a great hobby."

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro)

Alan, 72, said: "It's in the fresh air and you get a bit of exercise. I have always enjoyed sailing and a bit of competition.

"It's good exercise to walk up and down the dam, it's very relaxing and it's a chance to meet up with like-minded people have a coffee and built new boats."

The club has 36 members of all ages, the youngest is Scott Braid who is 19.

Scott, who works as a catering assistant with at the shared campus in Port Glasgow, said: "I've been a member since I was 14. I'm into CalMac boats, because my dad used to work as a chef for them.

"That's where I got my love of boats. He used to get free passes and we used to travel on the ferries all the time."

Scott, who lives in Inverkip, has three CalMac scale boats, including of MV Jupiter and MV Ali Cat, past and present vessels on the Gourock-Dunoon route.

He said: "I would like to see some younger people coming along.

"I enjoy the sailing, it's been one of my hobbies for years. It runs in the family."

As well as his dad Campbell, Scott's mum Margaret is also involved in the club.

Margaret, 67, is also the scale boat secretary, and says they have been trying to encourage younger people to come along.

She said: "We did a wee project up at St Patrick's Primary where we built a a wee boat with the kids."

Part of the clubhouse also dates back to 1879 and a new part was added in the 1940s.

Alan added: "Around 2,000 people attended the opening and it was built with public subscription and funds from Sir Micahel Shaw Stewart and the Water Trust.

The club recently received a grant to repair the clubhouse roof  from Inverclyde Council.

The club runs sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. For more information visit their website at gmypbc.uk.