The US Navy

This is the old, decrepit Admiralty jetty in Gourock's Cardwell bay. It really is an eyesore. I blame the US Navy.

For years this facility was the berthing point for the 'Liberty Boats' carrying US Navy Submariners from their base across the Clyde, the Holy Loch. They would be dropped here, under strict supervison of the 'Shore Patrol' - pale blue Chevy vans containing two large black sailors, dressed in patent shoes and carrying long night sticks. From here they would catch the train to Glasgow for a night's debauchery cultural experience.

Then one day the buggers upped sticks and left...