QE2 to Greenock?
Statement on reports that the QE2 is for sale
Reports this week say that the QE2, which was built on the Clyde and fitted out in Greenock, is languishing in a dock in Dubai and could be up for sale.
Inverclyde Council's Leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe is calling for national support to explore bringing the QE2 home to the Clyde and Greenock.
Inverclyde Council Leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “The QE2 is an important piece of maritime history for the Clyde and Greenock. She was known as the most famous and grandest liner in the world. To see this once magnificent flagship of the Cunard line languishing in a dock in Dubai is simply heart-breaking.
“Given the reception just a few short weeks ago to the Queen Mary 2 on the 175th anniversary of Cunard on the Clyde, it is clear that the QE2 could be a major draw for visitors to Inverclyde and Scotland. That could be a major boost to the growing reputation we have for cruise ships and for tourism. It could also boost the promotion of the Clyde and Inverclyde’s proud maritime history to a national and, potentially, international audience.
“Bringing the QE2 home is a herculean task, but it is one that requires national support in Scotland and perhaps across the UK"
Councillor Stephen McCabe, Leader of Inverclyde Council
“Bringing the QE2 home is a herculean task, but it is one that requires national support in Scotland and perhaps across the UK, if it has any chance of happening. Officers will make contact with the Dubai Government to find out the exact position, to find out if the reports on her condition are accurate and if she is actually for sale.
“I will be writing to the First Minister, The Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism at the Scottish Government, and our MP and MSPs serving the Inverclyde area to call on them to use their influence through parliamentary motions in both parliaments to secure support and sources of national funding to bring the QE2 home.”