New era for historic boatyard

Fiona Howard • Published 5 Nov 2009 11:11 2 Comments

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ONE of the Clyde's most famous boat building names changed hands recently with the promise of new jobs for the Rosneath Peninsula.

Mark Aikman, a young entrepreneur with a proven track record in developing stagnant businesses into successful operations, has taken the historic step of uniting Silvers Marine (UK) Ltd., with McGruer's, creating a joint boat storage and refitting business in Rosneath.

Mark took on the challenge of the stagnating Silvers operation a year ago this month and has been working with the 32-strong workforce to find new business and develop it into a thriving concern.

And when the former McGruer yard at the old minesweeper sheds in Rosneath recently came on the market he jumped at the chance to bring the two operations together and to incorporate the huge yacht storage area at Rosneath with Silvers.

Mark said this week: "Taking over the yard virtually next door was just too good a chance to miss.

"I have invested heavily in this business and I intend to make it work. We employ 32 people, including four apprentices, on the Peninsula.

"Taking over McGruers will mean at least a couple more jobs and I hope we can extend our apprenticeship programme in due course."

Work has already begun to restore the McGruer yard to its former glory and already enquiries are coming in from around the world for use of the facilities.

See this week's special feature on page 25 of the Helensburgh Advertiser.

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jacques mesrine
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Nov 6, 04:07
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Its good to see a business looking to grow and expand in the area and contribute to its future success rather than just taking money out and giving nothing in return. Helensburgh Advertiser take note.

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Lawrence Weldon
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Nov 16, 14:44
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Myself being an ex-employee of McGruer during the late seventies through to the mid eighties, I have learnt that the two yards complemented each other during their heyday; with McGruer building sailing yachts and Silvers building motor yachts of world class recognition. But all that is in the past and only occasionally you hear of a vessel from that way being restored to its former glory, keeping the names alive; be it only by a thread. However, with the skills that are still around from the apprenticeship days of my time, and the joint venture of the two historic yards along with more apprenticeships in the offering, there is renewed hope of putting Clyde's yacht industry back on the map.

Furthermore, for those thinking of going into that area of work, boat-building is not an easy career. It can take many years to learn the skills required of a boat-builder and often far more than what a four year apprenticeship has to offer. However, it is an extremely rewarding line of work and covers a wide spectrum of skills with the potential of moving into other areas of work and making a sidestep career change later on in life.

Lawrence Weldon

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