HISTORIC SHIP TO BE BROKEN UP

Jan 18 2007 Irvine Herald

THE hulk of the Carrick sailing ship is to be broken up after years of wrangling.

North Ayrshire Council have given the go ahead to the Scottish Maritime Museum for the “deconstruction” of the vessel, which has lain on a slipway at Irvine Harbour for more than 10 years.

Deconstruction will involve dismantling the vessel and either scrapping parts or putting them on display.

Ayrshire Metal Products — owners of the slipway — have terminated the lease and told the museum to shift the boat this year.

They have denied them entry to carry out any remedial work.

This week the council’s planning committee consider 132 objections to the plans.

Only TWO of the objectors came from Scotland.

The remainder came from Sunderland, where the ship was built, and Australia — the Carrick’s main destination.

The committee heard a last ditch attempt at saving the vessel would cost more than £10 million ending up with only a replica of the original.

The committee was also told that although there were no plans for the slipway or the former AMP factory it was likely to go for housing in the light of a new homes development on the neighbouring timber yard site.

This week a council insider told the Irvine Herald: “At last we’re doing something about this rotting hulk that’s been a blot on the skyline for years.

“The damn thing should never have been brought here in the first place.

“It was a wreck when it arrived and it’s only deteriorated over the years.

“It was never a goer from day one.”