The Point Traditional Cache
Big Scunner: Think I'll archive this meantime. May reintroduce at a later date.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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The Point, actually called Garvel Point, is situated at the seaward entrance to the historical James Watt Dock. In the mid nineteenth century Greenock was thriving as a port but with expanding trade there was a lack of suitable harbour facilities for the larger ships. A Harbour Trust had been set up earlier in the century to purchase and develop lands along the waterfront and in 1867 Garvel Park was acquired for new harbour facilities. The first task was to build a Graving or Dry Dock, the foundation stone being laid in 1871 and completed in 1874 at a cost of £89,000. Garvel Graving Dock is still in use today and during the winter months Caledonian McBrayne ferries constantly occupy the dock for their annual check up.
The next task was the building of a Wet Dock (non tidal) and a harbour. This was commenced in 1878 and completed in 1886 at a total cost of £850,000 and named after one of Greenock’s famous sons, James Watt. The Wet Dock was 2000ft long, 300 feet wide and 32 feet deep at low tide and the Great Harbour was 3600ft long. It was a huge undertaking and electric lighting was use for the first time in Scotland for a Public Work.
Unfortunately the project proved to be a financial disaster. The boom years were followed by a major downturn and revenue from the harbour dues was far lower than projected and the Harbour Trust ended up insolvent.
Today the dock is undergoing major regeneration. Modern housing has been built on the south western side of the docks and major refurbishment is underway to the old Sugar Warehouses. At this moment a new six lane road is being constructed into the dock from East Hamilton Street and facilities including residential, retail, leisure, commercial and educational space and a marina are planned. Only time will tell if this is achievable.
There is no need to do any climbing. The cache can be reached from the walkway.
Parking is available on Cartsdyke Avenue (N55*56.707 W004*44.244) and several other areas nearby. It’s only a short walk to the cache site.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Pbeare bs envyvat, ybj
Treasures
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