Meet the Barrow shipbuilder who set the course for town's Royal status

Brian Boyd, president of the Rotary Club of Furness, became a shipwright in 1969 at Vickers LTD aged 16.

He rose through the ranks when it became BAE Systems and retired after he became a project leader.

Now aged 70, he is a presenter and manager for community radio station Cando FM.

In March 2022 the dad-of-two presented the idea of Royal recognition to the radio station before outlining a proposal in August 2022. 

He then presented this to MP Simon Fell in January 2023.

The document contained the shipyard's progress in becoming a world leader, the numerous vessels built at the site and the town's past historical links with Royalty.

"No matter what happens in the world, whatever successive governments, Barrow delivers consistently through its shipbuilding traditions," said Brian.

"For me this started decades ago and I realised in 1977 with HMS Invincible that Barrow was doing something special.

"For generations, this little 'mingin'' town, as some may call it, has built world-class vessels that have been launched overseas with Royalty visiting numerous times.

"Many great ship-building companies such as Cammell Laird have been lost however Barrow's shipbuilding legacy has stood the test of time.

"There has always been a focus on providing state of the art equipment, ultra tech and building cutting edge vessels - and has been since 1908."

Last month Mr Fell launched the official campaign in the House of Commons gaining the support of The Mail, BAE, Westmorland and Furness Council and many others. 

Leader of the House, The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, said she recognised the valuable contribution the town has made to the UK and international security.

The Barrow Minister has since written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Brian said: "Now is the right time for the campaign. It feels like we're at a hinge point with Barrow playing such a part in the AUKUS agreement.

"Whatever your political beliefs, this is about Barrow gaining recognition that is long overdue.

"I cannot be the first person to think up this idea but I believe I am the first ordinary person and local individual who has driven this initiative.

"The UK Government Cabinet office is now actively in support of the proposal and Mr Fell has now taken this under his wing and is driving it forward.

"There are plenty of social, economic, and cultural benefits that are to be enjoyed if successful. 

"This would be recognition for Barrow's contribution to the defence of the realm, to the UK's influence overseas and upholding of democracy in the Western world - and of course, there would be tourism benefits.

"The town gets a bad reputation and this is very much about proving what Barrow isn't to people who think they know it - it's a small town that is capable of, and always has done, big things."