THERE was no doubting the star of the show on the Clyde - all 963 gleaming, stately feet of it.


THERE was no doubting the star of the show on the Clyde - all 963 gleaming, stately feet of it.

The QE2, launched at Clydebank in September 1967, was making its final journey to the river where it was built and attracted thousands of people to Greenock during its 10-hour stopover.

Muriel's rescue drama

BROADCASTER Muriel Gray had to be rescued when the small motor cruiser she was on sank on the Clyde.

She was with a family party, including two young children, returning to Rosneath after sailing to say farewell to the QE2 when their 20ft vessel sank yesterday.

A huge naval exercise was going on nearby, and a military rescue craft went to the aid of the group.

Two youngsters were treated for slight hypothermia after being rescued, while the five adults were all treated for shock.

Ms Gray said today: "I can't praise the emergency services enough."

No liner has been photographed as often as the QE2 - or has quite the same place in people's affections.

Greenock's Ocean Terminal was open for three hours yesterday to allow people to walk along the ship's length and take endless pictures with cameras and mobile phones.

Within the first 70 minutes, 2000 people had queued to see it - with countless more still in line, and many hundreds more on their way.

Some people shed a tear, knowing the world-famous Cunarder will never return home again.

Later this year it will sail for Dubai, where it will become a floating hotel.

Billy Gilmour, 59, of Clydebank, worked on the ship in his last year as an apprentice. He spoke for many when he said: "It was a wonderful ship to work on.

"All the new ships built in succession to this one have lots of new technology, but they will never build another ship like the QE2.

"Seeing it today brings back lots of memories and brings a tear to my eye.

I wanted to come here and pay my last respects.

"It's a shame it could not be brought back to Scotland for good. They did the same with the Royal Yacht, Britannia, which was built at John Brown's, but ended up in Leith. No disrespect to Leith, but the Clyde is renowned for shipbuilding."

Owen Polland, 83, a former Lower Clyde shipyard worker said: "It is as well it is going to a better place rather than out on the Atlantic, because its steel is not going to last forever."

Stevie Love, 49, from Coatbridge, realised his life's ambition last week when he secured a honeymoon berth for himself and his wife, Linda, on board the ship.

The couple, who now run a guest house in the Lake District, are enjoying the 10-day British Isles cruise to the full.

Stevie said: "It's a first class experience, the trip of a lifetime"

The ship left Greenock last night, with a fireworks display setting the seal on an unforgettable day.

QE2 PICTURE GALLERY