Guest talk about Jimmy Reid at Irvine's Maritime Museum

The evening talk, which will take place at 6pm in the Museum’s Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside, will be given by Dave Watson, Director of The Jimmy Reid Foundation.

He will describe Jimmy Reid’s rise to international prominence during the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders (UCS) Work-in, between June 1971 and October 1973.​

The work-in caught the world's imagination. Trade unions around the globe offered solidarity and Billy Connolly and John Lennon joined those raising money for the workers. The Heath government finally backed down and the yards were saved.

Today, The Jimmy Reid Foundation, established as an independent ‘think tank’, works closely with those seeking a more progressive future for Scotland.

Dave will also describe The Foundation’s work building stronger communities through education, economy, housing, health and care. 

The talk will take place in the Maritime Museum (Image: Newsquest)

Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: "We’re thrilled to welcome Dave Watson to the Museum for what promises to be one of the highlights of our Summer Talks season. 

“Guests will enjoy Dave’s fascinating insight into the life of the formidable Jimmy Reid and his ongoing legacy through the work of The Jimmy Reid Foundation. We expect the talk to be very popular so early booking is highly recommended.”

Foundation director Dave Watson added: “I’m looking forward to sharing Jimmy Reid’s story in the apt setting of the Linthouse, a former shipyard engine shed from his hometown of Govan.

“Jimmy Reid achieved so much in his lifetime and his ideas continue to influence social and political discourse today.

"When he was elected Rector of Glasgow University in 1971, the New York Times described his inaugural rectoral address as 'the greatest speech since President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address'.

"He then became a journalist and broadcaster, winning two BAFTAs for his documentary work. Today, the Foundation continues that legacy.”

Jimmy Reid retired to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. When he died in 2010, his funeral cortege passed the BAE Systems Surface Ships yard in Govan, one of the shipyards saved by the UCS Work-in, and hundreds of workers gathered outside in tribute.

Dave Watson was a trade union official with UNISON for most of his career.

After retiring as Head of Policy and Public Affairs in 2018, he consulted for European think tanks and the public and third sectors before being appointed Director of the Foundation in 2023. He also drafted the Scottish Labour manifestos for the 2019 and 2021 elections.

The Summer Talks season complements the Museum’s current exhibition, ‘Shipyard Social’, which is on show in the Linthouse on Irvine Harbourside.

Doors open at 6pm. Tickets include a refreshment and snack as well as entry to ‘Shipyard Social’.

Tickets, which cost £7 Adults/£5 Concessions, can be purchased at the Museum, by calling 01294 278283 or online at www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org.