An Scottish crane has been recognised as a significant example of historical engineering.

The Titan Crane at Clydebank was given an Engineering Heritage Award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineering yesterday, joining previous winners including London's Tower Bridge.

John Wood of the Institution's heritage committee praised it for being a "magnificent example of mechanical engineering, which forms an integral part of the local landscape".

He said: "This award is being presented to the Titan Crane to celebrate its position as the oldest crane of its type in existence. The Clydebank Titan is one of only 13 Titan cranes that remain in the world."


Claire McGinley of Clydebank re-built said: "The Titan was the first electrically powered giant cantilever crane in the world and its lifting power helped John Browns build the biggest ships in the world in the last century. This recognition of the Titan by the Institution underlines the proud skills and ingenuity of our mechanical engineers, past and present."

The crane was built by Sir William Arrol & Co to lift heavy equipment on the River Clyde.

Completed in 1907, it helped with the construction of vessels including the Lusitania and the Queen Elizabeth II.

Five years ago the Grade A-listed structure was refurbished as a museum and visitor attraction.

Mr Wood said the award given out yesterday celebrated the work done to open it to the public, as well as the original construction by Sir William Arrol and Company.

(NE/GK)