Introduction
This evening, I am providing a record of yesterday’s very successful Clyde cruise on the Waverley from Glasgow.
Information on the Clyde cruise on Waverley Paddle Steamer-Part 1
Each year I aim to avail of at least one day cruise on the veteran-near 80 years old-Waverley.This vessel was actually built in Glasgow during the Clyde’s commercial shipbuilding heyday. Today, the Clyde is mainly focused on building warships for the British military.
At the end of it’s commercial life the Waverley was rescued and restored to reflect a bygone era of Clyde cruising.The vessel provides views of the beautiful Firth of Clyde (‘Firth’ is a Scottish word for estuary.) Passengers are provided with an endless variety of open water, sea lochs, mountains and the stunning Kyles of Bute. For this reason the programme of Waverley cruises proves extremely popular with locals and visitors alike.
My round trip cruise lasted about nine hours and started and finished at Glasgow Science Centre. We called in at Greenock, Dunoon and Tighnabruaich with the latter lasting about one hour. We also saw Port Glasgow, Gourock, Helensburgh, Kilcreggan, Rothesay and Port Bannatyne (both Isle of Bute).
Yesterday’s weather proved overcast but dry but provided relief from the hot spell we have just endured and another one predicted soon.
Information on the Clyde cruise on Waverley Paddle Steamer-Part 2
Waverley at Science Centre
Sailing Ship ‘Glenlee’ at Riverside Museum
Former heart of shipbuilding on the Clyde.
Retired island ferry awaiting scrapping
Former shipyard which is now Braehead Shopping Centre
Navy ships under construction at BAE facilities
Redundant Renfrew Ferry
Waverley cruising past the new bridge at Yoker
Former crane at John Brown’s shipyard. Now a tourist attraction.
Whisky maturing in bonded warehouses.
Waverley approaching Erskine Bridge
View of Clyde approaching Dumbarton.
Dumbarton Rock. This was the power centre of the Kingdom of Strathclyde in the First Millennium
Ferguson’s Shipyard at Port Glasgow. Ancient, Newark Castle on left with new ferry ship on right.
Close up of new island ferry, the Glen Rosa. This vessel is awaiting formal commissioning. Americans have a term ‘a day late and dollar short’. In the case of Glen Rosa, delivery will be about one year late and about £88M pounds over than original budget.
Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow Statues
Port Glasgow Town Hall
Craigrownie Castle. This is now a Grade B listed building designed by the world renowned architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson in 1852. Recently renovated to its former glory, the castle has stunning views over the local scenery. Now operating as a hotel.
Line of waterside ‘red top’ houses. These were built by a Glasgow paint manufacturer to promote his products.
Sailing Yacht
Another yachting image
Video clip of Waverley approaching Dunoon
Waverley approaching Tighgnabruaich
Local ferry and speedboat.
Cloch Point Lighthouse and Holiday Park
Mountains of Isle of Arran (north)
Piper welcoming visitors at Tighnabruaich
View from Tighnabruaich
Fishing Boat-with freeloading seagull
Main Street at Tighnabruaich (pop 550). This village is 85 miles by road from Glasgow.
More information for the visitor
For information on a wide range of topics including islands, whisky and history please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.