Day One: Glasgow to Edinburgh

The start of our Breathtaking Journey. A great send off by John McFall MP and campaigners from Clydebank and Clydeside





end of Day One outside of the Scottish Parliament


Saturday 20th. Light drizzle, sunshine and showers.

We start on the eve of the longest day with one of our shorter journeys. About 70 miles to get our legs warmed up. Starting from the River Clyde in Glasgow and ending at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

We were given a great send off in Glasgow from the incredible campaigners from Clydebank and Clydeside groups. We couldn't have started from a more appropriate place. Far too many have died as a result of asbestos exposure from Scotland's former industrial heartland.

Shipyard workers were exposused to huge amounts of asbestos during ship construction and refurbishment. Seafarers were exposed when working on the ships. Dock workers when unloading the deadly asbestos cargoes from Canada and Southern Africa.

Most of the past heavy industry has now gone. But the legacy of asbestos cancer deaths continue.


As we cycle along beside of the Clyde, the regeneration of Glasgow is clear. New offices and homes. But perhaps the biggest surprise is just how green this former industrial area is becoming. Regeneartion has been much more than pouring concrete. Large amounts of green, public open space has been created.

As we Cycle to Edinburgh along Cycle Route 75 we pass new schools and civic buildings. Part of the old railway lines is being re-engineered for rail use. Navigating the changed route puts a few extra miles on the jouney but we end the first day with a welcome to Edinburgh by campaigners from Asbestos Action Tayside outside the Scottish Parliament.

A great start to out Breathtaking Journey.