TS Queen Mary, River Thames 1997

Moored on the River Thames near Embankment, TS Queen Mary is a historic Clyde-built steamship that once carried generations of holidaymakers “doon the watter” from Glasgow to the Firth of Clyde. Built in 1933 by William Denny and Brothers of Dumbarton, the vessel is one of the last surviving Clyde steamers and a treasured symbol of Scotland’s maritime heritage.

Though originally designed for short pleasure cruises on the west coast of Scotland, TS Queen Mary found a new role in London after her retirement from active service. In 1987, she was moved to the Thames and transformed into a floating hospitality venue, serving as a floating restaurant and event space until she closed in the late 2000s.

By 2015, the vessel had fallen into disrepair. However, a high-profile campaign led by the charity Friends of TS Queen Mary – with support from celebrities like Robbie Coltrane and Sir Sean Connery – succeeded in bringing her back to Scotland. She was towed from London in May 2016 and is now undergoing restoration in Glasgow, where plans are in place to reopen her as a static heritage attraction and educational centre.