NEW state-of-the-art technology has been installed to offer greatly improved webcam viewing from Inverclyde’s tallest and most recognisable landmark.
For over a decade, a camera located at the summit of the 245-foot high Victoria Tower has beamed live images around the clock showing the east of the town, wider Inverclyde and as far as the Erskine Bridge on a clear day.
That device, having reached the end of its functional life and being of poor quality compared with modern day visuals, has been replaced by two ultra-high-definition cameras providing crystal clear images of Inverclyde to the east and now also the west.
The webcam page is consistently the most viewed on the Inverclyde Council website by a long way with more than one million views in the past 12 months by people all over the world.
The original camera was installed in May 2013 as part of a tourism initiative and £2,600 has been spent on the replacement cameras, including installation and changes required to the website to accommodate the enhanced views.
The project was funded by Greenock Town Centre Regeneration Forum. Its chair, Councillor Jim Clocherty, also vice-convener of environment and regeneration for Inverclyde, said: “I’m always taken aback at how popular the Victoria Tower webcam is in terms of page views and it’s a fantastic way to showcase the beauty of the area to people around the world and encourage them to discover what Inverclyde has to offer.
“For a relatively modest amount of money, the new cameras provide crystal clear views of Inverclyde and beyond to the east and also the west for the first time allowing people from near and far to enjoy our stunning scenery.
“There is, of course, nothing better than seeing Inverclyde in all its glory for yourself in person but the Victoria Tower webcams are the next best thing and I know the images bring joy to so many people at home and in every corner of the globe.”
A new feature is the ability to click on the images to display a full screen, high-resolution image.
The upgrades took place during recent annual survey and maintenance work on Victoria Tower.
Such was the popularity of the old camera that if it was unavailable for any reason, such as being obscured by steeplejacks working on the tower or blown over by strong winds, there would be several calls and emails to the council’s customer service centre to raise the alarm.
