Back in the 1960s, Clyde Port Authority diver David Bell had one of the dirtiest and most dangerous jobs on the river; clearing the Clyde of underwater obstructions, examining the hulls of arriving and departing ships, and ensuring that the various dock gates were running smoothly.

And with the river still heavily polluted, he had to keep his kit clean.

There was no lightweight SCUBA outfit for him; it was lead boots, a rubber and canvas diving suit, a great brass helmet, and a fixed oxygen supply connected to his accompanying dive boat.

Looking a bit like TV comedian Harry Hill, here he is, hard at it, scrubbing his diving suit clean with a stiff-bristled sweeping brush.

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The Herald Picture Store is proud to present these images in their actual condition. We haven't manipulated these photographs and are proud of their character.

Please be aware that due to their age some images may show imperfections. This is as a result of the technology available at the time they were captured and/or scanned and saved for our records.