Robb Caledon 19651984 (Paperback)

R.O. Neish

ISBN 10: 1849955786 / ISBN 13: 9781849955782

Published by Porto Press Ltd, Caithness, 2024

About this Item

Paperback. Leith Built Ships Volume 4: Robb Caledon 19651984 by R.O. Neish is a detailed maritime history book documenting the final era of large-scale shipbuilding on Leiths waterfront in Scotland. This volume of the acclaimed Leith Built Ships series focuses on the Robb Caledon shipyard during a period of major industrial change, global competition and the eventual decline of British shipbuilding.Covering ship numbers 495 to 535, built between 1965 and the yards closure in 1984, the book explores the evolution of modern ship design, specialist vessel construction and the economic pressures that led to the end of shipbuilding in Leith. It highlights how technological adaptation and skilled craftsmanship helped the yard remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global market.This richly illustrated study features notable vessels such as the powerful ocean-going salvage tugs Lloydsman and SA Wolraad Woltemade. Also noted are ferries, hospital ships and specialist working vessels that served worldwide. Many Leith-built ships played significant roles in events such as the Icelandic 'Cod Wars' and the Falklands War, demonstrating their importance in both commercial and military maritime history.The book also captures the human story behind the shipyard, drawing on first-hand accounts from workers, engineers and seafarers who built and served on these vessels. It celebrates the skill, innovation, and dedication of Leiths shipbuilding community during its final chapter.Essential reading for those interested in Scottish maritime history, industrial heritage, and naval engineering, this volume preserves the legacy of Leiths world-class shipbuilding tradition. Features histories of some great ships, including the two largest and most powerful ocean-going salvage tugs of the day. Includes the decline of the last shipbuilder at Leith and accounts of the industrial unrest and strife. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781849955782

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Robb Caledon 19651984 (Paperback)
• Publisher: Porto Press Ltd, Caithness
• Publication Date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1849955786
• ISBN 13: 9781849955782
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Volume 4 of the acclaimed Leith-built Ships series follows Ship Nos 495 to 535 built from 1965 until the eventual closure of the shipyard in 1984 by a government that was hell-bent on destroying British industry and breaking the powerful unions.

Great ships such as Lloydsman Ship no 509 and SA Wolraad Woltemade, Ship no 516, the two most powerful ocean-going salvage tugs, were built by Robb Caledon and Leith-built ships also played their part in the Falklands War.

The author features them all, from the huge tug Lloydsman, fighting in the Icelandic ‘cod wars' with her crew using tomato sauce bottles for ammunition, to hospital ship HMS Herald which took part in the Falklands War along with another four ships built at Leith. Robb-built ships were mostly one-off specialised ships that were complex to build, requiring much skill which the Leith shipbuilders had in abundance.

This volume concludes the series on commercial ships built at the yard and is complemented with many first-hand accounts from the men and women who sailed or served on the ships. ​