The delayed launch of hundreds of paper boats made by schoolchildren in Clydeside took place in Greenock today as a homage to internationally renowned Scottish artist George Wyllie.
The young people, aged 4-18 spent the last six months of 2012 studying the work of the late George Wyllie - one of Inverclyde's most famous residents - as part of the Whysman Festival 2013.
The launch of the boats – dubbed The Origami Fleet – was due to take place on Hogmanay last year at The Riverside Museum in Glasgow, but had to be postponed due to high winds.
The paper boat fleet, made by school pupils studying the work of the Glasgow born artist as part of the George Wyllie Education Initiative, as launched in the Firth of Clyde just beyond Custom House Quay in Greenock, where Wyllie was based for many years.
Pupils from 10 local authorities involved in the initiative attended the launch of the Origami Fleet, which was sent on its way by Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.
Following Mr Russell's speech, pupils from four participating primary schools sang George Wyllie's 'Paper Boat Song'. The four schools were from Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.
Lone piper, Stuart McMillan MSP, played The Skye Boat Song as the boats were scattered in the Firth of Clyde ifrom the tug 'Anglegarth'.
The fire protection boat set of its water cannons as the paper boats hit the water and foghorn blared out over the water.
The launch was part of the new Beacon Arts Centre’s First Beam of Light celebration, an afternoon of free arts activities, including workshops, exhibitions, street theatre, live debate, bands, choirs and a ceilidh.
Beacon Arts Centre on Custom House Quay from the River
A 'Swan' Bids Farewell
More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.
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