Showstopper cake celebrates Tall Ship 125th Anniversary

NQ bakery students at City of Glasgow College created a stunning cake measuring almost 6 feet by 4 feet to help celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Tall Ship Glenlee.

The four students, Ruth Pinkerton, Diane Cleland, Irene McCloskey and Nicola Swordy, together with two of their lecturers, Ashley Gill and Selina McCrae, took 20 hours to produce the cake which was presented to the Tall Ship’s Trustees ahead of the anniversary celebrations on Friday 3 December.

Aileen O'Meara, Curriculum Head for Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College, said:

“It has been an honour to make such a special cake to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Glenlee. I am extremely proud of what the team has designed in order to meet the ‘bigger the better’ brief.

“Our NQ bakery level 6 students who assisted in the creation have had an amazing opportunity to put their skills to excellent use for such a showstopper. We hope that that Trustees are as happy with it as we are.”

The special cake took a total of 192 eggs, 11kg of flour, 25kg of sugar paste and 18kg of chocolate ganache.

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College, said: 

“I am delighted that our talented NQ bakery students have created such a magnificent cake to help celebrate the Tall Ship’s 125th anniversary. Our College has a well-established and productive partnership with Clyde Maritime Trust which this valuable student work experience opportunity underlines. On behalf of us all at City of Glasgow College, I wish the Glenlee a very happy anniversary.” 

As part of the celebrations, the Clyde Maritime Trust welcomed the support of Elaine C. Smith as the real-life figurehead for the charity, after the ships own ‘Mary Doll’. 

The historic vessel’s carved figurehead was named ‘Mary Doll’ during its restoration in the 1990’s, after the character played by Elaine in the hit Scottish comedy show Rab C Nesbitt.  

Adding her support to the Trust that cares and runs the Glenlee for the benefit of all to enjoy and learn through its unique maritime heritage. Elaine said: “The Tall Ship is an iconic landmark in Glasgow so I feel really honoured and privileged.”  

Colin Botfield, Chair of the Clyde Maritime Trust added: “We are very excited to be able to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Glenlee and look forward to thanking all those who have helped in the ongoing restoration and maintenance of this historic ship. Between the trustees, volunteers and staff they have all worked tremendously hard over the years to ensure we have this iconic visitor attraction, maritime museum and unique venue space.”