For more than two centuries, the River Clyde has provided an artery for the industry and commerce of Glasgow while the Firth of Clyde has served as the playground for the population of the city, from the captains of industry to the most humble labourer.  Over the years the role of each of these two geographic areas has changed and the interplay between them provides a fascinating backdrop on the development of the West of Scotland.  There is no dearth of literature on the subject and this site will draw on much of this material.  There will be some focus on the early years of the use of steam in marine propulsion and marine engineering.  The development of the tourist trade in the area is another area that will focus on early accounts of the resorts both in text and in picture.  The great engineering feat of deepening the river to allow the flow of commerce into the center of Glasgow...