A folk duo have released a charity single for the steam paddle ship The Waverley.
Musicians Callum Edwards and Ross Miller wanted to raise money for the pleasure craft to mark her 75th anniversary.
The track 'A Diamond Waltz for Waverley' features a host of Scottish folk talent.
It also includes performances from young pipers and drummers from towns along the Clyde and west coast visited by the ship.
Players include young pipers from The Isle of Arran Pipe Band and the Isle of Arran Music School Pipe Band.
Rothesay and District, Dunoon Grammar School, Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun, South Ayrshire Schools, Kintyre Schools, 1st Largs Boys Brigade and the Inveraray and District Pipe Bands also play on the charity single.
The Waverley is still in need of funds despite a recent appeal which raised more than £350,000.
She hopes to celebrate her Diamond Anniversary with 2022 marking 75 years since her maiden voyage.
'Special'
Callum’s grandfather played the accordion on the ship for many years, so there are close family ties with the vessel.
Callum said: “The Waverley is very special to me and my family.
"No other traditional pleasure steamer can access the spectacular UK coastline like Waverley and what better way to enjoy being on the water than aboard the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer.
“The ship carries tens of thousands of passengers each year on day, afternoon and evening cruises but to keep sailing into the future she must attract a younger audience and I hope our contemporary approach to an old-time waltz reflects the younger generations supporting the future of the ship.”
Ross said: “Callum and I have always loved the community aspect of collaborating with other musicians, so we were excited to invite local pipers and drummers that play at the ports the Waverley visits to get involved.
“Hopefully this track will now be synonymous with the steamer, whenever it calls at these places.”
Waverley’s general manager, Paul Semple, said: “I am delighted that so much Clyde coast talent has come together to produce this charity single to mark such a significant milestone in Waverley’s career.
The ship carries tens of thousands of passengers each year on day, afternoon and evening cruises but to keep sailing into the future she must attract a younger audience and I hope our contemporary approach to an old-time waltz reflects the younger generations supporting the future of the ship
Callum Edwards
“Ross Miller has reconnected Scottish music and the last of the great Clyde steamers.”
Ross Miller’s pipes and Callum Edwards’ drums are joined on A Diamond Waltz for Waverley by Charlie Stewart on fiddle, Rory Matheson on accordion, and Craig Irving on guitar.
Alistair Black on mandolin and David Edwards (Callum’s dad) on accordion, make up the full complement of players.
Waverley operates on the river Clyde from mid-June to late August each year.
Listen: A Diamond Waltz for Waverley
