A historic Glasgow drydock has scooped up a prestigious award after major restoration efforts.

Govan Drydock Limited, located in the heart of the city, collected the Coastal Communities Excellence category at the National Maritime SME Awards, which celebrate the outstanding and innovative achievements of small and medium enterprises across the UK maritime sector.

The Govan graving docks has been under major restoration after a plan was put in place to bring the site back into use.

The site now acts as an operational ship repair and maintenance facility, a service it was originally built to provide.

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Glasgow Times: Peter Green CEO of National Maritime (left) with Govan Dyrdock Managing Director, Peter Breslin (right).Peter Green CEO of National Maritime (left) with Govan Dyrdock Managing Director, Peter Breslin (right). (Image: Govan Drydock)

Peter Breslin, Managing Director of Govan Drydock Limited said: “Winning this award is a huge honour and is recognition of the tireless work we have undertaken to date on the restoration of Govan Drydock.

“The project not only has protected and revived the drydock, the business viability has also been proven with the awarding of the TS Queen Mary repair and restoration project, which has brought employment opportunities and community benefits to the area.

“We have exciting plans for the further development of the drydock, which will help contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the Clyde Waterfront and breathe life into the Govan area of Glasgow.”

Glasgow Times: Govan Drydock Govan Drydock (Image: NQ)

Glasgow Times: Govan Drydock in the 1960sGovan Drydock in the 1960s (Image: Duncan Stewart)

Glasgow Times: Prince's Dock, Queen's Dock, Yorkhill Quay and Govan Drydock from the air in 1960sPrince's Dock, Queen's Dock, Yorkhill Quay and Govan Drydock from the air in 1960s (Image: Newsquest)

Built originally for the Clyde Navigation Trust in the late 1800s, the site was the main location for new vessels to be dry-docked as they waited for delivery. 

This would allow workers to be able to add the finishing touches to the boat before they sent them on their way.

It was also used as a ship repair facility to repair any vessels that were coming in after a journey as it was the main public sock for Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

Harry O’Donnell, Chairman of New City Vision, who owns the site, said: “We are thrilled that Govan Drydock has won this prestigious award.

“Forming a crucial component of our wider vision to reconnect the people of Glasgow with this historic site, the restoration of Dock No.1 marks the latest step in our exciting journey.

"As we move forward, we continue to carry out extensive consultation on proposals, integrating new homes with carefully thought-out community spaces to deliver a vibrant and dynamic future for the docks.”

Glasgow MSP and Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Maritime & Shipbuilding, Paul Sweeney added: “It has been exciting to follow the team bringing the historic Category A-listed Govan Graving Docks back to life after 36 years of dereliction".

Details of all the award winners can be found at HERE