Plans For Port Glasgow 250th Anniversary Celebrations

Inverclyde Council is inviting people in communities across Inverclyde to mark the 250th anniversary of Port Glasgow this summer by taking part in - and organising - exciting activities.

To celebrate Port Glasgow 250, the local authority has put together a programme of events which will encourage people to honour the milestone.

At the start of this year, the council asked local people what they would like to see happen during the year, and the feedback has shaped a lot of the planning process.

The heart of the celebration will be an extended Comet Festival which will run on June 21 and 22 and incorporate the Port Glasgow 10k.

Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie said he's looking forward to celebrating the history of Port Glasgow in 2025.

He added: "This is a terrific milestone and one which gives us an excuse to shine a light on this wonderful town of ours.

"I am sure all Portonians, both near and far, will join me in marking the anniversary of our town, and I hope to see many getting involved in all the positive activities."

The festivities will include an arts project in partnership with schools across Port Glasgow; an exhibition of Port Glasgow images at the Watt Institution; bespoke floral displays across the town; and the commissioning of pipe music to celebrate the anniversary of the Port becoming a burgh.

People will also hear stories from community voices, and get the chance to take part in a Port Glasgow-themed Dungeon and Dragons adventure.

Representatives from communities, organisations and businesses are all being encouraged to get involved by running their own projects.

Groups can use Inverclyde Council's free toolkit to make sure the colourful Port 250 branding is used to spread the word about the celebrations.

The toolkit is available by emailing corporate.communications@inverclyde.gov.uk, and more information is available at www.discoverinverclyde.com.

The origins of Port Glasgow date back to the late 16th century when the authorities in Glasgow purchased land by the village of Newark to establish a port for the city.

In 1710, the principal custom house on the River Clyde was constituted at the Port of Glasgow.

The settlement around the port grew quickly and soon absorbed the fishing village of Newark.

Newark was a burgh of the barony belonging to Hamilton of Wishaw, while Port Glasgow remained under the municipal authority of the City of Glasgow.

Recognising the complexities of this arrangement, an act of parliament was passed in 1775 establishing Port Glasgow as a burgh in its own right.

The Port Glasgow (Improvement) Act 1775 defined the burgh's municipal responsibilities and its authority to raise duty.

The Act was passed on May 22, 1775, and Port Glasgow was born.

This article and image appeared in The Greenock Telegraph.