I won’t be holding my breathe waiting…..
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/look...-on-the-clyde/
Look at plans for new warship museum on the Clyde
Scotland is set to anchor a groundbreaking attraction on the River Clyde, promising to offer insight into the Falklands War and Glasgow’s storied shipbuilding heritage.
The ambitious project revolves around HMS Ambuscade, a frigate with a distinguished service record, which would voyage back to its birthplace from Pakistan for a new lease on life as a museum ship.
This initiative is led by David O’Neill, a visionary who has successfully negotiated with the Pakistan Navy to bring the vessel from its current location in Pakistan back to Glasgow, where it was originally launched from Yarrows shipyard in 1973.
David told me what he aims to achieve and what he is planning.
“For the first time in the UK we hope to create a new Falklands heritage site that respects the contribution that the Clyde has made to the history of the Royal Navy and commercial shipping globally. For the first time you will be able to go aboard a RN Warship 365 days a year, walk amongst exhibits from the Falklands Conflict and learn about life as a shipyard worker. The veterans stories will be told of how they served in these great ships.
The next stage is the launch of our National Appeal, to raise £2.1m to bring her home, this will include options for the public to put their name virtually on the ship and for commercial partners to show their brand support for Royal Navy heritage. There will be a series of events from Karachi via Suez, Gibraltar and finally a flotilla welcome on the Clyde, all with global media focus on this historic moment.”
HMS Ambuscade, a Type 21 Frigate, played a significant role in the Falklands War before being sold to Pakistan in 1993. Its return is part of a wider vision to celebrate and educate the public about the Falklands conflict and the rich history of shipbuilding on the Clyde. The location for this floating museum is still under consideration, with potential sites at Greenock or Govan docks being discussed.
The project’s scope is vast, aiming to feature a wide array of military hardware, including helicopters, fighter jets, and possibly even a Vulcan bomber, to provide a fully immersive experience.
David is working with various organisations, including the Royal Navy and RAF, to enrich the museum’s collection and offer interactive exhibits that could include war games and immersive video simulations, allowing visitors to engage in scenarios akin to real-life defence operations……