A SHIPYARD worker who spent 25 years campaigning for victims of asbestos has inspired a new clothing range.
The range, launched by fashion brand Finnieston, features a shirt that will help raise funds for asbestos victims.
The clothing drop includes a shipyard-themed T-shirt, with five per cent of the proceeds going to the Clydebank Asbestos Group, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by asbestos exposure.
The t-shirt pays tribute to Bob Dickie, a former worker at the John Brown shipyard and one of the founding members of the Clydebank Asbestos Group.
Bob, who passed away in October last year, was instrumental in the fight against asbestos, driving legislative change and earning recognition at both local and national levels.
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The shirt features his initials and serves as a homage to his efforts in raising awareness of the deadly impact of the "killer dust" on shipyard workers.
Finnieston, a brand inspired by Glasgow's shipbuilding heritage, has committed to donating all profits to good causes.
Founder Ross Geddes said: "Since we launched Finnieston in 2020, it’s been a priority to represent the shipbuilding industry in a way that reflects both the pride and the challenges of that heritage.
"We were once the best in the world at what we did, but we also know the lasting impact asbestos had on workers.
"Members of my family were involved in the industry, and Glasgow wouldn’t be what it is today without it, so it’s important to honour the workers who built the ships that defined an era.
"We got to know the Clydebank Asbestos Group as some of the members are regulars in our shop.
"We’re proud to have created a shirt that pays tribute to one of their founding members, and a legend of Clyde shipbuilding past in Bob Dickie, and raising money and awareness for an important cause."
Bob played a key role in the 1971 Upper Clyde Shipbuilders 'work-in', leading 13,000 workers to occupy the shipyards, an act credited with saving shipbuilding on the Clyde at the time.
As chair of the Clydebank Asbestos Group, he campaigned for a memorial in Clydebank, often referred to as the "Asbestos Capital of Europe".
The memorial was unveiled in May 2015, dedicated to known and unknown victims of asbestos-related diseases, both locally and globally.
Bob's son-in-law, Jamie Clark, currently a volunteer with the group, recalled his pivotal role in both his personal and professional life in a short documentary created by Finnieston to accompany the launch.
He said: "Bob spent his whole career at John Brown’s shipyard, starting as a store boy and working his way up to convener.
"He was always passionate about workers' rights and remained active in the Clydebank Asbestos Group well into his 90s.
"His greatest achievement was advocating for the successful passage of the Pleural Plaques legislation in the Scottish Parliament, ensuring it was written into law."
The new clothing drop, on sale from October 1 at its Shawlands and west end stores, as well as online, includes a collaboration with Trakke bags and new Wax Linthouse Jackets using fabric from Dundee-based Halley Stevensons.
The company raised more than £12,750 for charity Action on Asbestos over the last three years.
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