A plaque has been unveiled at Westway Park in Renfrew, honouring a major medical breakthrough that occurred here in Renfrewshire in 1955.
Seventy years ago, Professor Ian Donald – considered the pioneer of modern pregnancy ultrasound – visited the Babcock & Wilcox plant in Renfrew. He was exploring how ultrasound, originally used in industry, could help detect problems in the human body. His early experiments led to life-changing advances in medical imaging.
To mark this historic moment, Scottish ultrasound tech firm Novosound installed a plaque at the Gatehouse Business Centre entrance on Porterfield Road, the former site of the Babcock & Wilcox factory. The unveiling was celebrated with a civic ceremony attended by councillors, industry experts and invited guests.
Ricky Kelly from Renfrewshire News and photographer David Cameron attended the event.
The plaque was unveiled by Dr Dave Hughes, CEO and Founder of Novosound, and Renfrewshire Councillor Jim Paterson.
Dr Hughes said: “This door is where modern ultrasound was born. It’s a story not just of innovation, but of Scottish ingenuity and global impact. We are proud to continue that legacy through our work in wearable medical technology.”
Councillor Paterson added: “This plaque marks the beginning of a global transformation in how we care for human life. What started here in Renfrew 70 years ago has touched millions of families around the world.
“It’s a proud legacy of Scottish innovation and fitting that we honour it where it all began.“
Photo: Dr Dave Hughes and Renfrewshire Councillor Jim Paterson reveal the plaque
Photo Credit: David Cameron / Renfrewshire News
Photo: The new plaque at the entrance to the management suite at Westway Park
Photo Credit: David Cameron / Renfrewshire News
Other guests included Martin Dorman, VP – Asset Management at Altrad Babcock, and Gregor King, Director of Canmoor (the owners of Westway Park).
Martin Dorman said: “We are proud to honour the role our Renfrew site played in a medical breakthrough. What began as industrial ultrasound testing sparked a revolution in prenatal care. Seventy years later, that legacy of innovation continues to inspire progress at the intersection of industry, healthcare, and life-changing technology.“
Gregor King said: “As today’s custodians of this historic estate, we’re delighted to host the unveiling and honour a legacy rooted in innovation. This plaque marks a milestone for the countless families worldwide whose lives have been touched by ultrasound’s extraordinary reach.”
Among the honoured guests was Marian McNeil, one of the first babies ever scanned in the womb using ultrasound and a living link to this scientific breakthrough and its profound legacy.
Also attending the ceremony were Charlie McQueen and Eric Welsh, both of whom share a personal connection to the site and its remarkable legacy.
Charlie McQueen began working at Babcock & Wilcox 72 years ago, retired in 1996, and later returned as a consultant. Reflecting on his time there, he said: “I met so many wonderful people, from the shop floor to the boardroom. The company was highly professional and only the best would do.”
Eric Welsh attended as a special generational link: his father worked at Babcock & Wilcox during the era when Professor Ian Donald first visited. Eric shared that it was a real pleasure to return to the site and meet those now leading the next chapter in ultrasound innovation.
“It’s inspiring to come back to the place that helped shape medical history and see it continuing to drive technology forward.
“I’m proud to have worked for a company that’s had such a meaningful impact on the medical industry and on people’s lives.”
Photo: (Left to right) Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes, Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicholson, Dr Dave Hughes – CEO of Novosound, Cllr Jim Paterson and Cllr John Shaw
Photo Credit: David Cameron / Renfrewshire News
Photo Credit: David Cameron / Renfrewshire News
Photo: Professor Ian Donald
Photo Credit: Portrait / University of Glasgow
