Greenock began as a small fishing community and developed into a trading post and an industrial town.  The completion in 1710 of the West Harbour, then the largest harbour of its kind in Scotland, was a spur to the town's growth in size and importance.  In 1773 plans for waterworks were prepared by the engineer James Watt, who was born in Greenock, and the works were executed under his supervision.  As demands for water for industry grew,  the civil engineer Robert Thom devised an aqueduct system called 'The Greenock Cut' which led water seven miles from Shaw's Water to the town.  The project was completed on 16 April 1827. As industrial development gathered momentum, subsequent increases in population led to expansion of the town westwards.  The final layout of the modern town was determined by a plan proposed in 1818 by David Reid. Some idea of the diversity of Greenock's industries can be obtained from those listed in the local directory for 1837:- 6 shipyards 2 engine works 6 sugar refineries 4 rope works 3 foundries 3 tanneries 3 breweries 1 distillery 2 potteries As well as the above there were manufacturers of fluid glass, woollen cloth, sailcloth. straw pleats, soap, candles, flax, spinning and paper. Greenock really started growing when, during the 18th century it became the main port for the city of Glasgow.  At that time the river Clyde was only navigable by flat bottomed, low-draft craft.  Consequently, all ocean going ships from the New World and the West Indies had to tranship their cargoes here, especially tobacco and sugar, for onward transportation for Glasgow.  This changed when the River Clyde was deepened at the turn of the 18th century. In 1841 the Glasgow, Paisley and Greenock Railway opened, increasing the importance of Greenock as a port and also opening up the Clyde Coast in general.  Steamboats called at the Customhouse Quay, where waiting rooms for passengers were erected in 1852 close to the handsome Custom House of 1818.  The opening of Prince's Pier for steamboat traffic in 1870 provided better facilities for passengers and steamers call at Customhouse Quay.