RENFREWSHIRE’S first Makar has admitted being the area’s Poet Laureate is much more appealing than his past life as a shipbuilder on the Queen Elizabeth 2.

Brian Whittingham, who was named the area’s Makar last year, worked on the iconic ocean liner.

Now he has reflected on the “horrendous” experiences he suffered in the industry at times.

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Mr Whittingham, 68, spoke out at the opening of a new exhibition at the V&A Museum, in Dundee.

He performed poetry from his book Bunnets ‘n’ Bowlers at the Ocean Liners: Speed and Style exhibition as it opened to visitors last week.

The poems recall his experiences in the shipyards – and he admits not all of his memories from those days are happy ones.

Mr Whittingham said: “I did like some aspects of the job but there was a lot I didn’t like. I liked the development side, working in different parts of the factory, working under the ship, the people I worked with.

“Working conditions were horrendous at that time, though. The noise on a shipyard left uncovered for 10 minutes will start to damage your hearing and we had it six days a week, eight hours a day.

“You are working out in the open a lot, working with sparks and carrying heavy metal.”

The QE2 exhibition explores the design and cultural impact of the ocean liner age and includes several objects from the world-famous vessel.

It is open until Sunday and is being supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Mr Whittingham, who lived in Renfrew for many years, has spent the last 16 years lecturing in creative writing at the City of Glasgow College and has had eight books published.

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He said his new role as Makar, which involves going into schools and libraries to encourage an interest in poetry, helps to generate ideas.

“I love being Renfrewshire’s Makar,” he added. “I meet lots of interesting people and get involved in projects. I’m able to give something back to the community.”

Barry Ferguson, director of philanthropy and partnerships at V&A Dundee, said: “We would like to thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their support in bringing this world-class exhibition to V&A Dundee.”