The Clyde Navigation Trust was established in 1858 and was involved in dredging the River Clyde and in the provision of quays, dry docks and ferries. However, with the rundown of the Clyde`s shipping and shipbuilding the Trust`s role diminished and in 1966 it was replaced by the Clyde Port Authority which later became Clydeport.
The former Clyde Navigation Trust Building (1882-6 and 1905-8, J. J. Burnet) stands at the junction of Clyde Street and Robertson Street, just a stone`s throw from the River Clyde.
The building is one of the city`s architectural gems and was built to reflect the wealth associated with the shipping trade. It was constructed in two stages, with the five northern bays built in the first phase and the grand cornerpiece added later. The Trust was one of the city`s most important and powerful bodies and it originally planned its headquarters to be even larger, hence the unfinished look at the northern and eastern extremities. The facade`s sculptures (by Albert Hodge) are based on Greek mythology and are some of the best in the city.
This article is based on the guidebook "The Glasgow Guide".
The Clyde Navigation Trust Building stands close to the River Clyde.