A World War II minesweeper, torpedo boat and steam trawler are among the 10 vessels being raised from Bowling Harbour on the Forth & Clyde Canal.

A historian has been called to identify the vessels, which will be broken up and removed as part of a £1.5 million improvement programme. Considered a safety hazard and an eyesore, they’ll be raised by a 65-tonne excavator, and transported by barge to a landfill site. However, it’s hoped the propellers will be returned to the harbour where they’ll be displayed alongside plaques.

The boat removal is just the first stage of plans to improve facilities for boaters. These include a public events area, new moorings, boat storage and car parking.

Funding for the Bowling Harbour works programme has come from the Scottish Executive, with support from West Dunbartonshire Council and Scottish Enterprise, Dunbartonshire.