An important local landmark has been restored to its rightful home on the roof of the Pearce Institute in Govan.

The ship sculpture had been removed for cleaning and repair as part of the £2m refurbishment of this prominent public building, close to Govan Cross.

Around 200 people were invited to view the now gleaming ship before it was replaced on the roof.

The Pearce Institute, an A-listed building, was gifted to the people of Govan in 1906 by Lady Pearce in memory of her husband, Sir William Pearce, the chairman of the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company and Govan’s first MP.

Restoration work involved removing rot and asbestos from the roof, renewing lead work and slates, new roof felt and re-slating. Conservation work to the cupola was carried out and a weather vain on the roof now gleams in gold against the skyline. Solar panels were also installed.

The roof repair came in under budget, meaning funds were available to transform the venue’s MacLeod Hall. The work is part of a wider programme to invest in Govan.

It was funded by a partnership including Historic Scotland, Glasgow City Council, The Heritage Lottery Fund, Central Govan Action Plan, and Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Source: Evening Times  Ahoy! Return of a Govan landmark