TSS 'Queen Mary', at Hungerford Bridge, River Thames, being prepared for her tow down river to Tilbury Docks, 7th November 2009.
1933-1935: TSS Queen Mary
1935-1976: TSS Queen Mary II
1976-: TSS Queen Mary
The two funnel Clyde steamer TS Queen Mary was built at the William Denny shipyard at Dumbarton for Williamson-Buchanan. The 871 gross tons steamer was powered by three direct drive steam turbines, and carried 2086 passengers making her the largest (though not the longest) excursion turbine on the River Clyde.
In 1981 the ship was bought by the Lau family and taken south to London to become a floating restaurant but unfortunately it did not end well until 1987 where it was sold to the Bass PLC. She underwent a £2.5m refurbishment in 1997 and was moored at Victoria Embankment. Facilities included two bars and two function rooms. The top deck of the ship was used as an open air venue with bar facilities.
In November 2009, the ship was towed out of London. She was purchased by Samuel Boudon who had plans for her renovation and mooring in La Rochelle, France as a floating restaurant and fitness centre.
In October 2015 the Glasgow-based charity Friends of TS Queen Mary purchased the ship. In May 2016, after being made seaworthy, the Queen Mary was towed from Tilbury to Greenock. The ship's return to the Firth of Clyde on 16 May 2016 was her first visit to her former home since 1981.
The ship is now berthed at the entrance of Princes' Dock beside the Glasgow Science Centre.
TSS 'Queen Mary', at Hungerford Bridge, River Thames, being prepared for her tow down river to Tilbury Docks, 7th November 2009.
1933-1935: TSS Queen Mary
1935-1976: TSS Queen Mary II
1976-: TSS Queen Mary
The two funnel Clyde steamer TS Queen Mary was built at the William Denny shipyard at Dumbarton for Williamson-Buchanan. The 871 gross tons steamer was powered by three direct drive steam turbines, and carried 2086 passengers making her the largest (though not the longest) excursion turbine on the River Clyde.
In 1981 the ship was bought by the Lau family and taken south to London to become a floating restaurant but unfortunately it did not end well until 1987 where it was sold to the Bass PLC. She underwent a £2.5m refurbishment in 1997 and was moored at Victoria Embankment. Facilities included two bars and two function rooms. The top deck of the ship was used as an open air venue with bar facilities.
In November 2009, the ship was towed out of London. She was purchased by Samuel Boudon who had plans for her renovation and mooring in La Rochelle, France as a floating restaurant and fitness centre.
In October 2015 the Glasgow-based charity Friends of TS Queen Mary purchased the ship. In May 2016, after being made seaworthy, the Queen Mary was towed from Tilbury to Greenock. The ship's return to the Firth of Clyde on 16 May 2016 was her first visit to her former home since 1981.
The ship is now berthed at the entrance of Princes' Dock beside the Glasgow Science Centre.