To celebrate this the paddler undertook two cruises – Saturday’s taking her to Ardrishaig, Loch Fyne and on Sunday to her old haunt of Loch Long & Arrochar, with the reopening of Blairmore Pier en-route. The pier is celebrating it’s 150th anniversary this year but at a mere 57 Waverley has some way to go to catch up!
The following pics were taken during the aforementioned cruises:
Saturday 21st May: The following shot shows The Paddler, dressed overall for the occasion approaching the berth at Customhouse Quay, Greenock to embark passengers.
A regular calling point for Waverley has undergone significant change for the 2005 season. The breakwater and linkspan which were under construction during most of 2004 have now been completed. The end of the breakwater has been constructed to provide a berth for Waverley across the end of the structure. This next shot was taken as we approached the berth which is being unofficially referred to as “Dunoon South”:
The Gentlemen in the next picture need no introduction! Peter Reid (left), Douglas McGowan (centre) & Terry Sylvester are infamous amongst Waverley aficionados. Without the dedication of these men along with countless others the Waverley wouldn’t be with us today. The picture below shows them on the paddler’s port paddle box whilst she cruises the West Kyle en-route to Tarbert, Loch Fyne.
Contrary to the unfavourable weather forecasted for Saturday conditions were very pleasant as we approached Tarbert Pier.
The still waters of Loch Fyne are stirred by Waverley’s starboard paddlewheel as she manoeuvres onto the berth at Tarbert Pier. Those who wished could have time ashore while the remaining passengers enjoyed a cruise up Loch Fyne to Ardrishaig.
The next shot may look familiar to some. This is Ardrishaig Harbour – the berth which Waverley used in 1975 is on the right of the picture.
The story of that first day is well told – float breakages are very uncommon these days but then everything is a learning process – even if that one was a baptism of fire!
Unfortunately due to the commercial nature of operations at Ardrishaig these days the paddler was unable to call but we sailed close enough to view inside the harbour.
After a very pleasant cruise back to Tarbert and then onto Rothesay via the Narrows we arrived at “Dunoon South” once again. One emerging problem is that the same rope handlers tend to Waverley and the Gourock – Dunoon Ferry. This was not an issue when the vessels called at adjacent berths but with the introduction of the new berth the guys have a bit of a trek!
Having assisted Waverley’s berthing they then had to leave to tend to the mv Saturn, who was arriving at the Old Pier. This left the paddler either to wait on their return or untie herself. The wind direction was favourable on this occasion so the ropes were tended by Waverley’s own deck crew to allow the paddler to maintain her timetable.
The following shot shows mv Saturn (Alisa Shipbuilders 1977) approaching the old pier.
As we approached Greenock we viewed tugs Shannon and Flying Phantom making their way out to assist an inbound vessel. This shot shows Shannon (McTay Marine 1981) in the background with Flying Phantom (Ferguson Shipbuilders 1981) outbound from James Watt Dock to join her. Flying Phantom was the last tug built on The Clyde to serve on the river of her birth. Rumour has it she will be replaced by a new build early 2006 – this will be the end an era.
This was the end of the cruise for Shelagh & I. This next picture shows Waverley’s stern as she sits alongside Greenock CHQ amidst the setting sun.
After a great day which I’m sure evoked many memories Waverley heads upriver to Glasgow. This shot shows her leaving Greenock,
Finally, the day ended with a fine sunset over The Tail O the Bank. (Taken from Gourock Esplanade)
