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Ferry Terminal to Belfast from the Broomielaw

A TV news report about the Glasgow/Belfast ferry terminals

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This mute TV news report shows the new Burns-Laird passenger terminal at the Broomlielaw, Glasgow for crossings to Belfast. Shots include the empty interior of the terminal, the passenger lounge and left luggage area. There are some close ups of the waiting room furniture. We also see the warehouses, with cargo in transit, including bales of hay and sacks. There is a shot of the ticket office, and a forklift moving cargo. The report then moves to Belfast, with a shot of the passenger gateway, and the ship 'Royal Ulsterman' in dock. There is an elevated shot of port buildings, with a signpost for Belfast.

Questions & Activities


  • What type of footage is this?
  • Why was it made and where would it be shown?
  • Why do you think there are no people in the waiting room?
  • Why do we see lots of shots of empty chairs?
  • Where is Stranraer and how important is the ferry link to Belfast?
  • What other forms of transport can you get to Northern Ireland?
  • This film is mute rather than silent - how is that different?
  • What sound do you think would have been added?


English: Write your own TV voiceover about the opening of the new ferry terminal focusing on why this is newsworthy. If possible interview local people about their experiences of this time or traveling between Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Geography / Social History: Research migration between Northern Ireland and Scotland and the industrial and social connections between the two countries.

Numeracy / Geography / Tourism: You need to travel to Belfast for a particular reason. Research online the different travel options you have today. Choose the best options for people on different budgets and with different travel objectives.

Geography: Create a still frame of the map showing the ferry routes. Then plot the places the ferry goes to in Ireland and research whether these routes still operate today.

Media Studies: These kind of shots are called cut away shots. Find out what cut away shots are and how they are used. Film your own cut away shots to include in a interview or news report.

Clip Details

Record Id 007-000-002-463-C
Resource Rights Holder Third Party Copyright licensed by National Library of Scotland
Project Ref 5223
Date 1961c
Genre TV News
School Subject Media Studies, English, Geography, Social History
Subject Matter Tourism
Who Templar Film Studios (production company)
Where Belfast, Glasgow
Attributes Black and White, Silent
Clip Length 2:07
Film Length 02:07
All Rights Reserved.
Creative Scotland, The Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU