63 River Clyde Facts: A Must Visit Place With Your Family!River Tweed facts

Meandering across the countryside and the cityscape of Scotland is the River Clyde.

Its pristine waters waving the city of Glasgow is a sight to behold. The river is of great historic and cultural significance as it trumpets the rich historic heritage on one hand and that of exploitation to meet the industrial greed on the other.

The River Clyde is a picturesque river that runs as ninth longest in the UK and the third-longest in Scotland. Meeting the Firth of Clyde in Scotland, this untamed river wanders in the unspoiled nature and then gently reaches the palatial city of Glasgow, a major city of Scotland.

From shipbuilding to trade, the river has been of utmost importance to the British.

The Romans called it Clota and in the medieval Cumbric language, the river carried the name 'Clud' or 'Clut' and was the backbone of the Kingdom of Strathclyde.

Did you know that the secret diary kept by crewman Leonard H Thomas where Thomas mentions that during the Second World War, gold bullion worth millions, which were bound for America from Russia, sank to the bottom of Clyde River? The crewman had made a mistake by carrying precious metals across the countries.

The River Clyde is a Scottish river that feeds into the Firth of Clyde. The mouth of the River Clyde is known as the Firth of Clyde.

The Kintyre peninsula, which falls on the outer firth of Clyde in Argyll and Ayrshire, protects it from the Atlantic Ocean. The Kilbrannan Sound is a large arm of the Firth of Clyde.

Inner Clyde Firth includes another major island – the Isle of Bute. A succession of brilliant engineers, including James Smeaton, John Golborne, and Thomas Telford, devised ways of deepening the river bed.

Read more to know about the famous Clydebank Restoration Trust as well as the history of the Clydebank Restoration. After reading about the wise man who named the River Clyde, also check River Tweed facts and River Shannon facts.

Pollution Factors: River Clyde

The British Geological Survey researched the organic chemical pollutants obtained from the sediment of the Clyde estuary.

On studying the sediments obtained from the Glasgow reaches, Cuningar loop, and the village of Milton, it was concluded that they contain polyaromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyl that emerge from the industrial sites surrounding the river. The combustion sources like vehicle exhaust and coal burning and Petroleum spills are the chief reasons for the contents of POH and POB.

Industrial Growth: River Clyde

The impressive economic growth that Scotland aced was possible in the initial phase of the Industrial Revolution due to the location of the port city of Glasgow. It drove the trade of tobacco and cotton with America via the Atlantic Ocean in the early 18th century.

But Clyde had shallow waters and therefore navigation was tough for the large cargoes. As a solution for this, John Golborne, in 1768, advised that the river be narrowed by dredging sandbanks and constructing jetties. Two shallow channels were made near Dumbarton. This was aimed at deepening the river to meet the demands of the new industrial era.

The shipbuilding, marine engineering, yachting, and yacht building were all made possible by the mighty Clyde.

Economical Factors: River Clyde

Undeniably, the River Clyde has had a significant role in the development of all spheres of Scotland. Be it for industries, navigation, or tourism, over the passage of time, the river has become indispensable in the economy of Scotland.

Industries such as shipping, shipbuilding, and marine engineering powering the world's ships have been thriving on the banks of the River Clyde since the country began with the Industrial Revolution. The government has been coming up with new projects like Clyde Waterfront Innovation Campus, the National Manufacturing Centre, and Queens Quay.

From tourists to localities and communities, the River Clyde has been of immense significance to Glasgow's industry.

Tourism Place: River Clyde

The River Clyde with its picturesque meanders and loops never fails to captivate the hearts of tourists who sail across to catch its mesmerizing beauty.

With opportunities for sightseeing and marvels showcasing the pride-inducing art and culture of Scotland, a plethora of recreational activities like water-based sports is expanding at a quick pace.

You can explore the famous sailing ships at the Tall Ship, Glenlee, Yorkhill Quay, and Glasgow Harbour. If you wish to feel the royalty of sailing in the bygone age, then sailing down the Clyde on the paddle steamer of Waverley, is a must.

Who doesn't love to catch a spectacular view of this magnificent river that echoes the cultural glory of this nation?

Take a lift to the top of Titan Crane and will be treated with a beguiling view of this charming beauty.

You can even try indoor skiing and other leisure activities at Xscape at Braehead, in the banks of Clyde. The Glasgow Science Centre is a popular tourist attraction of Scotland that is not to be missed.

Since the Paleolithic epoch, humans of this world have lived along the Clyde. The Clyde has been in the world headlines recently due to precious metals dumped in the river during WWII.

After the crewman made a mistake transferring the precious metal, the ships sank to the bottom of the Clyde. It may not be the longest river in the world, but it is the ninth longest river in the United Kingdom, and the third-longest river in Scotland.

Trout and salmon found in Clyde are a significant food source for both humans and wildlife, including brown bears, eagles, and other birds of prey.

The Lowther Hills, sometimes known as the Lowthers, is a large tract of hill country in Scotland's South part Uplands, while certain sub-ranges of hills within this area have their own names. On the map, the Lowther Hills create an approximately rhomboidal or lozenge shape, with acute angles to the north and south.

Glasgow Green is a park for children that falls on the north bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland's east end. It is the city's oldest park, having been established in the 15th century, that is worth millions to Glasgow.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for River Clyde facts then why not take a look at River Jordan facts, or River Lea facts.