Standing tall over the River Clyde, the Titan Crane at Barclay Curle is more than just a steel structure—it’s a proud monument to Glasgow’s engineering heritage and industrial past. Today, it forms part of the backdrop for Titan Storage’s secure container site at the Barclay Curle Industrial Complex on South Street. But long before it oversaw self-storage containers, the crane played a crucial role in building some of the most advanced ships of its era.
This is the story of the Titan Crane, a Glasgow landmark that connects the city’s shipbuilding glory days with its modern-day entrepreneurial spirit.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Glasgow was a powerhouse of industrial innovation. Known as the “Second City of the Empire,” it was famous worldwide for shipbuilding, engineering, and heavy industry. The Clyde River was lined with docks, shipyards, and factories, producing everything from steamships to steel bridges.
It was during this period of progress and prosperity that the Barclay Curle & Co. shipyard emerged as a leading player in marine engineering.
Founded in the 1800s, Barclay Curle became one of Glasgow’s most important shipbuilding firms. Originally based in Whiteinch, the company moved to the North British Diesel Engine Works on South Street in the early 20th century. This new complex was built between 1910 and 1913 and designed with both function and style in mind—it included a striking red brick office building, production sheds, and, of course, the Titan Crane.
At its peak, Barclay Curle employed thousands of workers and contributed significantly to Glasgow’s shipbuilding legacy, producing ships for the Royal Navy, merchant fleets, and commercial use.
Installed in 1920, the Titan Crane at Barclay Curle was part of a new generation of overhead cantilever cranes that revolutionised shipbuilding. Manufactured by the world-renowned firm Sir William Arrol & Co., it was one of several “Titan” cranes constructed along the Clyde. These cranes allowed heavy components—such as engines, turbines, and ship hulls—to be lifted with precision and lowered into position.
The crane at Barclay Curle stood approximately 150 feet tall, with a lifting capacity of 200 tons. Unlike traditional cranes that relied on manpower or steam, this one was electrically operated, allowing for greater control and efficiency.
Its towering presence helped facilitate the construction and fitting-out of massive vessels, directly contributing to the success of Glasgow’s maritime economy.
By the mid-20th century, the decline of heavy industry and global changes in shipbuilding began to take a toll on Glasgow’s docks. Many shipyards along the Clyde were closed, repurposed, or demolished.
Barclay Curle eventually ceased shipbuilding, and the once-bustling site became quiet. But unlike many structures lost to time, the Titan Crane at South Street remained—its skeletal steel form a powerful reminder of a bygone era.
Today, the crane is no longer in operation, but it is Category A listed, meaning it is officially recognised as a structure of national importance. It is one of only a handful of Titan cranes still standing in the world—and the only one remaining on the north side of the Clyde.
Fast-forward to the present day, and the Barclay Curle Industrial Complex has found a new purpose. The site is now home to Titan Storage, a secure and modern container storage facility in Glasgow’s West End.
With over 100 20ft steel containers, Titan Storage provides flexible and affordable storage solutions for individuals, families, tradespeople, and small businesses. While our services are modern, our setting is steeped in history. The presence of the Titan Crane gives customers a tangible link to Glasgow’s proud industrial past—even as they store items that reflect their current lives and future ambitions.
From shipbuilding giants to self-storage innovators, this site has always been a place where strong structures support big ideas.
At Titan Storage, we’re proud to have a location with such rich heritage. While the days of shipbuilding may be behind us, the spirit of Glasgow’s ingenuity lives on here—now in the form of container storage that’s safe, simple, and strong.
As you drive into our site and see the mighty Titan Crane overhead, take a moment to reflect on how this structure once shaped ships and now watches over the next chapter of local enterprise and storage solutions in Glasgow.
Interested in viewing our site or booking a container?
Located within the Barclay Curle Industrial Complex, South Street, Glasgow
