Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we turn our attention to a landmark moment in maritime history that took place on September 20, 1967. On this day, the Queen Elizabeth 2, or QE2, the largest ship ever built in Scotland and the last great passenger liner constructed on the River Clyde, was launched from John Brown & Company's yard in Clydebank. This event marked the beginning of a storied career for one of the most iconic ships in modern history.

The QE2 was built for the Cunard Line and designed to operate as both a transatlantic liner and a luxury cruise ship. She served as Cunard’s flagship from 1969 until 2004, when she was succeeded by the Queen Mary 2. During her nearly 40 years of service, the QE2 became a symbol of luxury, speed, and elegance, sailing millions of miles across the world’s oceans.

The story of the QE2 begins with the decline of transatlantic sea travel in the 1950s and 60s. By 1957, more and more people were opting to travel by air, as jets like the Boeing 707 made crossing the Atlantic much faster than by ship. However, Cunard was determined to maintain its presence on the North Atlantic route and decided to commission a new ship to replace its aging liners, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. This new ship would not only continue the tradition of transatlantic crossings but also serve as a cruise ship, offering passengers a dual-purpose vessel that could operate year-round.

The QE2 was originally designed in Cunard's offices in Liverpool and Southampton, and she was constructed at the famous John Brown shipyard on the Clyde. The ship's hull, known as Number 736 during its construction, was a marvel of modern engineering. She was 963 feet long, had a top speed of 32.5 knots, and was powered by steam turbines, later upgraded to diesel-electric propulsion in the 1980s. Her design was sleek and modern, with interiors that reflected the cutting-edge style of the 1960s, and she was often described as having the look of a "very big yacht."

On September 20, 1967, Queen Elizabeth II herself was present to launch the ship. In a grand ceremony at Clydebank, the Queen used a pair of gold scissors—passed down from her mother and grandmother, who had launched the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary—to cut the ribbon and christen the ship. After a brief and dramatic pause on the slipway, the QE2 slid into the River Clyde to the cheers of thousands of spectators. It was a proud moment for Scotland and the Clyde shipyards, which had been at the forefront of global shipbuilding for decades.

The QE2 officially entered service in May 1969 with her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. She quickly became known as one of the most luxurious ships afloat, catering to an elite clientele and hosting celebrities, royalty, and heads of state. Although air travel dominated transatlantic crossings by this time, the QE2 kept the tradition alive with her annual voyages between Europe and North America, and she also embarked on regular world cruises.

In addition to her service as a passenger liner, the QE2 had a brief but significant role in the Falklands War in 1982. She was requisitioned by the British government to transport troops to the South Atlantic, and after a rapid conversion at Southampton, she sailed to the Falklands with over 3,000 troops and 650 volunteer crew members. After the war, the ship returned to passenger service, and her military contribution became a proud part of her legacy.

One of the most important moments in the QE2's long career came in 1986–87, when she underwent a major refit that replaced her steam turbines with modern diesel engines. This refit not only extended her service life but also made her more fuel-efficient and reliable, allowing her to continue sailing for another 20 years.

By 2008, after nearly four decades of service, the QE2 was retired from active duty. She had sailed over 5.6 million miles, carried 2.5 million passengers, and completed 806 transatlantic crossings. The ship was sold to Dubai, where plans were made to convert her into a floating hotel. However, the financial crisis of 2008 delayed these plans, and for several years, the QE2 sat idle in Dubai’s docks. In 2018, after extensive refurbishment, she was finally opened as a luxury floating hotel, welcoming guests from around the world to experience her storied past firsthand.

As we reflect on the events of September 20, 1967, we celebrate not only the launch of the QE2 but also the legacy of Scottish shipbuilding. The Clydebank shipyard may have closed its doors, but the ships it built, especially the QE2, continue to symbolize the skill, craftsmanship, and pride of Scotland’s maritime heritage.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through history. Tune in tomorrow for another enlightening episode of This Day in Scottish History. I'm Colin MacDonald, Haste Ye Back!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bagtown.substack.com