The Tall Ship Glenlee welcomes back Mary Doll as its restoration reaches a milestone

One of Glasgow's most recognisable maritime faces is back where she belongs. In August 2026, The Tall Ship Glenlee's figurehead, affectionately known as Mary Doll, was craned back into position beneath the bowsprit after an extensive programme of conservation.

Carved from laminated cedar by Scottish sculptor Marvin Elliott, Mary Doll was installed during Glenlee's restoration in 1999 and had not left the ship since. More than 25 years of Clyde wind, rain, frost and sunshine had left their mark, including an unflattering green beard of growth beneath her chin, but the timber was found to be in remarkably good condition. Her conservation was carried out in Glenlee's own workshop by crew member Andrew Kelsey, with the support of the wider crew.

Her return is part of a 1.8 million pound project supported by the National Heritage Memorial Fund. In January 2026, for the first time in 30 years, Glenlee's masts were removed so specialist contractor TS Rigging could carry out conservation work, with the ship also receiving a full new set of running rigging. These traditional skills are so rare they appear on the Heritage Crafts endangered list.

Glenlee was built in 1896 at Port Glasgow and is now a rare example of a Clyde-built sailing ship and one of only five of its kind still afloat in the world. During her working life, her three masts drove her across the world's oceans on wind power alone.

Today the ship sits alongside the Riverside Museum and is owned by The Tall Ship Glenlee Trust, an independent charity. It is a visitor attraction, museum, learning centre and community hub, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors a year, and it was named Best Visitor Attraction at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards in September 2025.

Visitor experience manager Lauren Macrae said the team was incredibly honoured by the award, describing it as a testament to the whole team and the community that supports the ship.

Visitors can explore the ship with a free Bloomberg Connects digital guide and stop at the on-board cafe for coffee, cakes, soup and toasties.

The Tall Ship Glenlee is berthed beside the Riverside Museum on the Clyde in Glasgow. Opening times and visitor information are at thetallship.com.