R. O. Neish – författare

Leith Built Ships Volume 1: They Once Were Shipbuilders by R.O. Neish is the first volume in a comprehensive maritime history series exploring Scotland’s rich shipbuilding heritage. This detailed account traces the development of Leith shipyards from the mid-19th century to the end of the First World War, highlighting the port’s vital role in British and global maritime history.Focusing on Scottish maritime history and industrial heritage, the book documents the evolution of shipbuilding technology in Leith—from traditional wooden hulls and iron construction to advanced steel ship design. It examines the vessels built in Leith shipyards, their worldwide voyages, and their involvement in trade, exploration, and wartime service, revealing the global reach of Leith-built ships.The book also brings to life the people behind the industry, including skilled shipyard workers, engineers, and craftsmen whose expertise helped establish Leith as one of Scotland’s most important shipbuilding centres. Their contributions are placed within the broader social and economic history of the port, once Scotland’s principal maritime gateway.With a shipbuilding tradition spanning over 660 years, Leith played a pioneering role in Britain’s maritime development — building vessels centuries before the rise of the Clyde shipyards. These ships served in major conflicts, supported global trade routes and shaped countless lives at sea.Ideal for readers interested in Scottish shipbuilding history, maritime archaeology, and industrial heritage, this volume begins an authoritative series celebrating Leith’s enduring legacy as a world-class shipbuilding port.

Leith Built Ships Volume 2: Leith Shipyards 1918–1939 by R.O. Neish is a richly illustrated maritime history book exploring the interwar development of Leith’s shipbuilding industry in Scotland. Continuing the acclaimed Leith Built Ships series, this volume charts the evolution of Leith shipyards from the end of the First World War through the economic challenges of the Great Depression and into the outbreak of the Second World War.Focusing on Scottish shipbuilding heritage, the book examines the fortunes of major Leith shipyards, including their consolidation under Henry Robb Ltd, one of the most influential names in British maritime engineering. It highlights technical advances in ship design and propulsion, particularly the rise of diesel-powered coasters and innovative shipbuilding methods that helped modernise the industry.The book also documents notable vessels built during this period, including ships associated with global trade routes, maritime adventure and tragedy. Most famously the five-masted auxiliary sailing barque København, the largest sailing ship ever built in a British shipyard.Rich in ship plans, historical photography and detailed archival research, the book pays tribute to the skilled craftsmen and engineers who sustained Leith’s shipbuilding legacy during a period of economic uncertainty and industrial change. It also traces the expansion of Henry Robb Ltd as it absorbed key yards such as Victoria, Cran & Somerville and Ramage & Ferguson - transforming Leith into a centre of innovative ship construction.Ideal for readers interested in Scottish maritime history, industrial heritage, and shipbuilding innovation, this volume offers a compelling record of one of Britain’s most important coastal industries.

This book reveals the part played by the eight Bustler Class Rescue Tugs built at the Henry Robb Shipyard during the Second World War and will shed more light on the almost-forgotten part played by this country’s mariners. The men and women who were rescued under the most trying of times and dreadful weather conditions would no doubt have felt immense gratitude to the brave souls who formed part of the huge maritime effort, both in war and peacetime.This is the story of the small force of much-needed rescue tugs that were built during the dark forbidding days of the Second World War, when Great Britain had only the ships and men to bring in the raw materials that were required to fight against the might of Nazi Germany and its Allies.This compelling story shines a spotlight on the small, but very significant work done over many years by His and Her Majesty’s Rescue Tugs in defence of the realm, and which benefited seafarers all over the world.The author’s very detailed account of the contribution made by HMRT in general, and the Bustler Class in particular, is an excellent read, and has brought to life the immense impact that these rescue tugs have had over many years, usually in dire circumstances, and especially during the Second World War. Many of these ships also served with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) and this story recognises the part played by these heroic rescue tugs in accounts of many convoys that crossed the seas and were attacked by hostile forces.This fine volume will help to raise the profile of these magnificent small and immensely powerful vessels, and of course their highly-skilled crews without whom these heroic achievements would not have been possible.

Leith Built Ships Volume 3: Henry Robb Ltd 1945–1965 by R.O. Neish is a richly illustrated maritime history book that explores the post-war development of one of Scotland’s most significant shipyards during a period of reconstruction, modernisation and gradual industrial decline. Covering the years 1945 to 1965, this volume of the acclaimed Leith Built Ships series documents Henry Robb Ltd’s shipbuilding output in the aftermath of the Second World War, when demand for merchant and naval vessels drove innovation across the British shipbuilding industry.Focusing on Scottish shipbuilding heritage, the book highlights how Leith’s shipyards adapted to a rapidly changing industry. It examines the transition from traditional riveted construction to modern electric welding techniques, a shift that transformed ship design and production while signalling the end of older skilled trades such as the rivet squads.Henry Robb Ltd 1945–1965 showcases a wide range of vessels built during this period, including ships commissioned by major shipping lines such as Ellerman Lines and the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, as well as orders from the Admiralty for naval supply vessels. These ships reflect both the global reach and technical capability of Leith’s shipbuilding industry in the mid-20th century.Alongside technical detail and historical photography, the book preserves the voices of the workers, engineers and seafarers who built and served on these vessels, offering a human perspective on a changing industry.Essential reading for those interested in Scottish maritime history, industrial heritage, and shipbuilding innovation, this volume captures both the strength and the slow decline of a once world-leading industry.

Leith Built Ships Volume 4: Robb Caledon 1965–1984 by R.O. Neish is a detailed maritime history book documenting the final era of large-scale shipbuilding on Leith’s waterfront in Scotland. This volume of the acclaimed Leith Built Ships series focuses on the Robb Caledon shipyard during a period of major industrial change, global competition and the eventual decline of British shipbuilding.Covering ship numbers 495 to 535, built between 1965 and the yard’s closure in 1984, the book explores the evolution of modern ship design, specialist vessel construction and the economic pressures that led to the end of shipbuilding in Leith. It highlights how technological adaptation and skilled craftsmanship helped the yard remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global market.This richly illustrated study features notable vessels such as the powerful ocean-going salvage tugs Lloydsman and SA Wolraad Woltemade. Also noted are ferries, hospital ships and specialist working vessels that served worldwide. Many Leith-built ships played significant roles in events such as the Icelandic 'Cod Wars' and the Falklands War, demonstrating their importance in both commercial and military maritime history.The book also captures the human story behind the shipyard, drawing on first-hand accounts from workers, engineers and seafarers who built and served on these vessels. It celebrates the skill, innovation, and dedication of Leith’s shipbuilding community during its final chapter.Essential reading for those interested in Scottish maritime history, industrial heritage, and naval engineering, this volume preserves the legacy of Leith’s world-class shipbuilding tradition.