Clyde paddle steamer Waverley sets sail on her Diamond Jubilee season later this month.
A highlight of her programme is a cruise up Loch Long to Arrochar.
The route is the one she originally plied when she was built as a railway steamer in 1947.
Then she sailed day-trippers up Loch Long between Arrochar and Graigendoran.
This year, her operators are hoping for bumper crowds to help cover rising fuel costs.
The boat runs on marine gas oil which costs £2,000 a day more than a year ago.
Stunning
Waverley is set to cast off from Glasgow on Saturday May 28 on the first cruise of the summer season.
She will make her way “Doon the Watter” to Rothesay and then through the stunning Kyles of Bute to Tighnabruaich.
The famous steamship will offer a variety of sailings on the Firth of Clyde over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, including trips to Arran, Bute and up Loch Fyne to Tarbert on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Holiday.
Waverley’s general manager Paul Semple said: “We are excited to be launching this summer’s sailing programme which sees Waverley operate on her native home waters on the beautiful Firth of Clyde from late May.
“We are also delighted that she will make a return to cruising out of Oban and the Inner Hebrides for the first time in four years following her boiler refit and Covid restrictions.
We are excited to be launching this summer’s sailing programme which sees Waverley operate on her native home waters on the beautiful Firth of Clyde from late May.
Paul Semple
“We look forward to welcoming passengers aboard from Skye, Tobermory, Gairloch and Kyle of Lochalsh.”
Mr Semple said: “The sound of Waverley’s paddles around Scotland’s west coast will signal to many that summer is here.
“This year is a very special one for Waverley as it’s the 75th anniversary since her maiden voyage back in 1947.
“To celebrate there will be a special sailing on Thursday June 16 where she will closely trace the route she was built to serve as a railway steamer, by cruising up Loch Long to Arrochar.
“We are very grateful that permission has been kindly granted for Waverley to berth at Ardnagal Pier, opposite Arrochar, on this special occasion.”
Other highlights of the season will see Waverley return to Ayr and Girvan, trips round Ailsa Craig, sailings to Ardrishaig and the ever-popular cruise round Bute.
With only two weeks to go until the first passengers step on the gangway the crew are working hard to make things ship shape.
Increasing
A press release reads: “With only two weeks to go until the first passengers step on the gangway the crew are working hard to make things ship shape.
“It is hoped that passengers will board in sufficient numbers to help meet increasing fuel costs.
“An increase in the order of £2,000 per day is expected, based on 2021 fuel prices.”
