An imposing symbol and stark reminder of the city’s engineering past, the Finnieston Crane is one of Glasgow’s most recognisable riverside monuments.

It is one of four cranes by the River Clyde, and one of only eleven cantilever cranes left in the world. It was commissioned by the Clyde Navigation Trust in 1928 and was completed in 1932.

It replaced a 130-tonne steam crane which had been moved to Finnieston Quay from York Street over 70 years before and was demolished to make way for a bridge that was never built.

Glasgow Times: Glasgow's River Finnieston Crane, 1955 © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums & Libraries CollectionsGlasgow's River Finnieston Crane, 1955 © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums & Libraries Collections

While its location led to its popular name as Finnieston Crane, its official name is Stobcross Crane. It is also called Clyde Navigation Trustees crane number seven, which has somewhat less of a ring to it.

Its purpose was to lift heavy machinery including tanks and steam locomotives, onto ships coming in and out of the city for exports to the British Empire. It has not been in working order since 1988 but has remained a symbol of Glasgow’s heritage.

In 1987, the year before its retirement, the crane hoisted up a ‘train’ in homage to the rail history of the city. Local artist George Wyllie designed the locomotive, which was made from straw.

Glasgow Times:

It journeyed from the old Hyde Park Works in Springburn along the route the trains would have taken to the docks before being raised onto the crane. 

The crane’s surroundings have changed remarkably over the years. Today, its neighbours are the popular music venues the SEC and the OVO Hydro, restaurant Cranside Kitchen and the Radisson RED hotel.