Glasgow Harbour, the port and shipbuilding centre along the River Clyde from Glasgow Green to the River Kelvin and beyond to Clydebank, became the greatest seaport in Scotland and one of the largest in Britain. Through a mixture of striking illustrations, this book recounts the early history, development, pioneering inventions and importance nationally and internationally of Glasgow Harbour, as well as its regeneration today. From the seventeenth century Glasgow became one of the major hubs of trade across the Atlantic and to the rest of the world. In the eighteenth century Glasgow adopted new methods to deepen and engineer the River Clyde to make it more useful and the largest and most advanced docks were to be built, with some 12 miles of busy quayside lining the river. By the nineteenth century Glasgow was also the world-leading shipbuilding centre, including such famous names as Fairfield, John Brown, Beardmore, Barclay Curle, Stephen and Connell. Later Yarrow and Harland & Wolff joined the ranks of shipbuilders, and at its peak over seventy shipping lines operated from the city. Although heavy industry in Glasgow Harbour has shrunk, today much of the waterfront is being regenerated.

Graeme Smith and Mike McCreery tell the fascinating story of Glasgow Harbour from its early days to the present – how ‘Glasgow made the Clyde, and the Clyde made Glasgow’.

'"Glasgow Harbour" by Graeme Smith and Mike McCreery is a fabulous book that should be considered essential reading for anyone living in, or coming from, or with any interest in Scotland's largest city. Go out and buy a copy: you won't be disappointed!' * Undiscovered Scotland, April 2025 *
'It's an excellent overview and will be appreciated by anyone with ties to Glasgow or a broader interest in ports and maritime history.' * Sea Breezes Magazine, June 2025 *
'Glasgow Harbour also takes time to explore the city’s continuing maritime role – still constructing ships for the Royal Navy and serving as a hub for ship management. It’s an insightful look at how the harbour has shaped Glasgow and continues to influence the city’s identity today.' * Nautilus Telegraph Magazine, July/ August 2025 *

With experience in building new towns and the renewal of cities and economies, Graeme Smith writes and illustrates city life, growth and changes involving businesses, international trading, education and entertainment. His family has included sea captains, engineers and a marine superintendent. Lifelong photographer and engineer, Mike McCreery revitalises historic city images and creates challenging contemporary ones. 'Glasgow Harbour' is the third book prepared jointly, including 'Newton Mearns Through Time'.