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About us
The Tall Ship is an independent museum owned by the Tall Ship Glenlee Trust (formerly known as the Clyde Maritime Trust), dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Glenlee, as well as the maritime history of the local area. Hundreds of ships were built in Glasgow’s highly successful shipyards, but the Glenlee is now one of only five that remain afloat in the world, and the only one in the UK.
One of Glasgow’s most unique attractions, The Tall Ship gives visitors the opportunity to have a fun day out free of charge and learn about the fascinating history of the Glenlee.
The Glenlee first took to the water in 1896, and passed through the notorious storms of Cape Horn 15 times throughout a long and distinguished career at sea. The ship has lived many lives, serving as both a sail training vessel and bulk cargo carrier, and circumnavigating the globe 4 times. The ship has also had many names over the years, such as Islamount, Galatea and Clarastella. Glenlee is the ship’s original name.
After many eventful years at sea, Glenlee was eventually abandoned in Seville Harbour, where it was discovered in 1990 by a British Naval Architect and purchased at auction in 1992 by the Clyde Maritime Trust who oversaw a six year restoration project, all done by paid and voluntary crew.
The museum is highly popular with schools and children’s groups, and offers regular maritime-themed learning activities and educational workshops. The ship also has regular guided tours, talks and changing exhibitions throughout the year.
There are two exhibitions currently on display at the museum: ‘Wingrove: A World of Miniatures’ focuses on famous model-maker Gerald Wingrove, comparing the process he used to create a model of the Falls of Clyde to that used to build Glenlee
and ‘The Last Voyage of the Islamount’ tells the story of one of the longest and most exciting voyages the ship undertook:
The Tall Ship is a popular venue for hire, and has hosted a variety of events, ranging from conferences to graduation balls to weddings.
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Latest News
June 2022 The Tall Ship Glenlee Trust has been awarded funding from Visit Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 for a new exhibition The Apprentice's Tale, to open in August. Read more
March 2021 The Clyde Maritime Trust is now The Tall Ship Glenlee Trust.
May 2021 Tall Ship Glenlee has been announced as one of National Historic Ships UK's Flagships of the Year 2021
April 2021 Tall Ship Glenlee reopens to the public after lockdown on Monday 26th April
April 2021 Glenlee's Learning Team launches new Learning Newsletter
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The Workshop
The main purpose of the workshop is to maintain and preserve the SS Glenlee. However, Tall Ship Community Boatbuilding also operate out of the workshop. After a long period of hard work from staff and volunteers, Starcrest was successfully restored and launched in June 2019, see photo below.
The workshop looks to engage the local community as much as possible, with particular emphasis on groups and individuals suffering from social or mental issues. The workshop at the Tall Ship has worked closely with NHS Restart, Project Scotland, the Department for the Homeless and social workers.
The Glasgow Coastal Rowing Club are active volunteers in the workshop.
It is also worth noting that the workshop currently has a commission to build a skiff for another rowing club, and they are actively looking for more commissions.
Work with other organisations
In addition to what has been mentioned above, the museum also partners with several other local organisations. For example, they work with Scottish Opera to host free pop-up opera shows on board the ship for members of the public. The museum works with the Licketyspit Theatre Company to host free play sessions for families from economically deprived areas. The Tall Ship has also worked with Impact Arts, hosting art exhibitions for their elderly art group based in Govan.
