Scottish Blog

The River Clyde is the third longest river in Scotland.

The River Clyde may not seem like a very important body of water, being only the third longest river in Scotland and the eighth longest in the United Kingdom. Further inspection of the River Clyde might not immediately reveal aspects of immense importance, other than the fact hat it runs through the city of Glasgow. Yet this small detail, combined with the fact that the River Clyde came to be a vital shipbuilding area for the United Kingdom actually makes the River Clyde of vital importance in the economic development of Scotland.

The River Clyde is sourced from two separate bodies of water, the Daer Water and the Portail Water. From here the River Clyde travels through the countryside, at one point forming the spectacular Falls of Clyde group of waterfalls. Eventually, after traveling a considerable distance, the river Clyde passes through Glasgow and eventually meets the Firth of Clyde.

Since the location and position of the river Clyde in relation to Glasgow made it an “American facing” port, it was only natural for it to become a major hub of trade from the United Kingdom and from there a logical expansion was for it to become an important industrial area. This growth was seen during the Industrial revolution and to a larger extent until the 1950’s. Unfortunately the growing number of industrialized countries, reduced demand from ships and need for wartime industrial work, has reduced the productiveness of the modern River Clyde.