Duncan launch to mark the end of era on Clyde

The time-honoured tradition of Clyde-built ships sliding down the slipway to the cheers of the workers who toiled over them could be witnessed for the last time when a Type 45 destroyer splashes into the river on Monday.

The launch of the Duncan next week is likely to be the last ship to be launched on the Clyde in the traditional fashion.

So-called "dynamic launches" - the impressive spectacle that sees huge vessels career down the slipway - have been a way of life on the shipyards of the Clyde for 298 years.

Read more