Waverley Slides — 2000 – ’04

Balmoral in Loch Striven — Easter Monday, 24 April 2000

Balmoral in the Western Isles — from Friday, 28 April 2000

Waverley to Tarbert — Tuesday, 22 August 2000

Waverley at Brodick — Thursday, 24 August 2000

Waverley sailings in 2001

Next stop, the Western Isles.

Balmoral spent the night at Oban and the usual select group of passengers took advantage of the light sailing from Oban at 07:30 up Loch Linnhe arriving at The Fort at 09:54. We were back at Oban at 12:22 where I (and some others) disembarked to take a CalMac Dinner Cruise (�20 - the dinnerless fare was �11.10 - plus two bottles of wine for �21.00 which never appeared on my credit card bill!) at 15:37 on the Clansman to Colonsay (17:48 - 18:08) returning to Oban at 20:15. My dinner was trout.

Balmoral at Fort William	Balmoral at the North Pier, Oban, with lifeboat in attendance

Balmoral in Oban Bay, with lifeboat in attendance

	The brigantine Jean de la Lune passes the Fishing Pier as the Clansman arrives from Lochboisdale and Castlebay
Raasay and Eigg (with raised bridge) at Oban		Jean de la Lune

Clansman in Oban Bay, inbound from Lochboisdale and Castlebay

Balmoral north of Scarba, returning from the Four Lochs Cruise, from the Clansman, Colonsay bound

Day 4 - Monday, May 1 — Balmoral sailed from Fort Wiliam at 09:00 and from Oban at 11:30 for the traditional visit to the Sacred Isle of Iona returning to Oban at 20:00 with a coach return to Fort William at 21:45.

I sailed from Oban, we anchored off Iona at 14:25 and waited 35 minutes before I got on the tender - Ossian of Staffa - for the 5 minute trip to the island where I spent an hour and a quarter before returning to the ship. Anchor aweigh at 17:01 and we were back at Oban 19:55 where we went for a small refreshment before retiring.

Oban from McCaig's Folly as the Isle of Mull leaves on the 1000 sailing to Craignure

Balmoral approaches the North Pier, Oban, arriving from Fort William for the cruise to Iona		Iona Abbey

The launch Fingal of Staffa arrives to take passengers ashore	Balmoral at anchor in the Sound of Iona, with the CalMac ferry Lochbuie at the slip	South end of the Sound of Iona

Balmoral at anchor in the Sound of Iona; CalMac ferry Lochbuie has just left the Iona slip		North end of the Sound of Iona

Iona Abbey	Balmoral at anchor in the Sound of Iona, Fionnphort above

Day 5 - Tuesday, May 2 — Balmoral sailed from Oban at 08:30 calling at Port Ellen (14:00 - 14:30) (according to the timetable), Campbeltown (18:00) and Largs (21:00) before arriving at Glasgow at 23:30.

However, on the day we again went to Gigha (12:47 - 13:17) before Campbeltown (16:57 - 17:03) and arrived at Largs at 20:15 where I disembarked and caught a train (318255) at 20:53, changed at Central (21:51 - 22:13, DMU 101691) and arrived at Carmyle (�4.90 single) at 22:22 for a short walk home.

After an exciting weekend and a cruise round the Ailsa Craig on Thursday, May 4, there was a long barren spell until Waverley arrived in August.

And that's the end of Waverley slides for 2000.

2001

This was the eleventh year that I purchased a Scottish Commodore ticket allowing unlimited sails on Waverley and Balmoral in all Scottish waters for a mere �0, due to the significant lack of sails in July and August last year. In order to get value for money I enjoyed as many sails as I could manage (41) over the year, saving �995.85 in unpaid fares. We won't mention the approximately �1200 I spent onboard and getting to and from all those sailings.

North Arran — Friday, 20 April 2001

Waverley in the Western Isles — from Friday, 4 May 2001

Balmoral to the Bell Rock — Friday, 1 June 2001

Balmoral to Berwick — Thursday, 7 June 2001

Waverley at Brodick — Sunday, 24 June 2001

The Royal Princess on the Clyde — Thursday, 9 August 2001

The Second Snark at Lochranza — Monday, 20 August 2001

Balmoral at Carrick Castle — Sunday, 23 September 2001

Waverley sailings in 2002

North Arran — Friday, 20 April 2001

North Arran from Loch Fyne, just off Ardrishaig

Centenary of the TS King Edward

Waverley sailed from Largs at 10:00, calling at Rothesay (10:45), Tighnabruaich (11:45), Tarbert (12:45), Ardrishaig (13:30) and Inveraray (14:45 - 16:00) for time ashore before returning to Ardrishaig (17:15), Tarbert (18:00), Tighnabruaich (19:00) and Rothesay (20:00) before returning to Largs at 20:45.

On the day, I caught a train (303008) from Shettleston at 06:47, changed in Glasgow (06:56 - 07:15) to the Largs train (318263) and got off at Fairlie at 08:15 for a very gentle stroll along the shore arriving at Largs, slightly breathless, at 09:58 after having had to almost run the last mile. Waverley sailed at 10:01 and arrived at Inveraray at 15:07 where I went ashore for a small refreshment, sailing again at 16:12 and reached Largs at 21:05. From there, I took a train (318268) at 21:53, changed at Glasgow (22:57 - 23:24 to 320321 to reach Shettleston at 23:33.

Waverley in the Western Isles — from Friday, 4 May 2001

Day 1 - Friday, May 4 — Waverley left Glasgow at 07:00, calling at Largs (09:30), Campbeltown (12:30) and Port Ellen (15:30 - 16:00) to arrive at Oban at 20:30.

On the day, we were 10 minutes early in and out of Port Ellen and on arrival at Oban where I booked in to the youth hostel for 4 nights (�49.00).

Day 2 - Saturday, May 5 — Waverley left Oban at 10:00 and called at Tobermory (12:00) before sailing to Armadale (15:00 - 16:30), returning to Tobermory (19:30) and Oban at 21:30.

On the day, we were ten minutes late sailing from Oban and ten minutes early at Armadale where I walked (with friends) down to the hotel at Ardvasar for a small refreshment. We sailed again on time and were 20 minutes early at Oban where I dined on a haggis supper (�2.50).

Day 3 - Sunday, May 6 — Waverley left Oban at 07:00, a public rather than a light sailing this year, calling at Fort William (10:00) and Oban again (12:15) before the traditional Four Lochs Cruise, returning to Oban (17:30) and Fort William at 19:45.

I caught the early morning sail to Fort William and back to Oban where I disembarked and left Waverley to its own devices while I once again took advantage of CalMac's Dinner Cruise (�11.40 + �18.60 including wine) on the Clansman sailing at 15:12 to Colonsay (17:42 - 18:08) and returning to Oban at 20:19. I did not record what I had for dinner.

Waverley at Fort William

Waverley at Fort William	Ben Nevis looms above Fort William	The Corran ferry Rosehall leaves Ardgour

Waverley at the North Pier, Oban with the Oban lifeboat in attendance

Waverley leaves Oban for the Four Lochs Cruise

PS Waverley steams into the Firth of Lorne, as seen from the Clansman en route to Colonsay

	ditto

Day 4 - Monday, May 7 — Waverley sailed from Fort William at 10:00 and called at Oban at 11:15 before the traditional cruise to Iona, returning to Oban at 19:30 with a coach return to Fort William (21:15).

We were 15 minutes late sailling from Oban and anchored in the Sound of Iona at 14:05. I seem to have waited 90 minutes before going ashore, returning to the ship at 16:43 and we sailed at 17:12, arriving back at Oban at 19:42.

The tenders Ullin and Fingal of Staffa ferry passengers to and from Waverley in the Sound of Iona as the mist rolls in from the sea

Waverley at Port Ellen

Day 5 - Tuesday, May 8 — Waverley sailed from Oban at 09:00 calling at Port Ellen (13:30 - 14:00) and Campbeltown (17:30) before arriving at Ayr at 20:00.

We sailed on time from Oban, called at Port Ellen (12:55 - 13:35) and Campbeltown (17:03 - 17:15) and were 20 minutes early at Ayr whence we were conveyed by coach departing at 19:51 via Largs (20:45 - 48) to arrive in Glasgow at 21:50 where I caught the bus home.

After an exciting weekend, the next stop was an equally exciting cruise on Balmoral on the Tay.

Balmoral on the Tay — Friday, 1 June 2001

The Bell Rock light off the mouth of the Tay with the Angus coastline beyond

Balmoral left Dundee at 10:00 and sailed up the Tay to Perth (12:15), returning to Dundee (14:30) before cruising out round the Bell Rock and back to Dundee at 18:00. There was an evening showboat cruise from Dundee (19:30 - 22:00).

On the day, Alex picked me up in town at 07:43 and we were in Dundee at 09:13. Balmoral sailed 10 minutes late but we were more or less on time at Perth (12:03 - 12:19) and at Dundee (14:10 - 14:33) before cruising out round the Bell Rock to return to Dundee at 17:57. Off again by car at 18:15 and back in Glasgow at 19:45.

Balmoral to Berwick-on-Tweed — Thursday, 7 June 2001

According to the timetable, Balmoral sailed from Leith at 09:30, calling at Eyemouth (14:00), Berwick-upon-Tweed (14:45 - 15:00) and Amble (18:00) before arriving at Newcastle at 20:45 with coach returns to previous calling points, that to Edinburgh arriving at 23:30.

On the day, Alex again picked me up at 06:58 and we arrived at Leith at 08:15 where there was a distinct shortage of Balmorals - I forget the whys and wherefores but she had not returned from Eyemouth the previous day. So, it was a coach departure from Leith at 09:33 arriving at Eyemouth at 10:43. At 11:00, we repaired to Ship Hotel to kill time with a small refreshment. Balmoral did sail at 14:00 and call at Berwick (15:01 - 15:17) and Amble (17:50 - 18:02) before arriving at Newcastle on time at 20:45. The coach departed at 21:02 and was at Leith Docks at 23:40. I spent the night at Dave's before returning to Glasgow on Friday.

A sail training ship in Leith Docks	The Old Brig, Berwick-upon-Tweed with the road bridge above it and the power lines of the Royal Border Bridge just visible above that	The seaward end of Berwick-upon-Tweed

Waverley at Brodick — Sunday, 24 June 2001

Waverley sailed from Ayr at 10:00 calling at Brodick (11:30) and Campbeltown (13:40) for a cruise to the Sanda Islands, returning to Campbeltown (16:10), Brodick (18:20) and Ayr (19:45).

Such is the state of public transport in Scotland that it was impossible to reach Ayr on a Sunday for a 10:00 sailing. Someone came up with an interesting idea so I caught a train (318262) from Central at 08:39 (�12.95 cheap day return to Brodick), arrived at Ardrossan Harbour at 09:32 in time for the 09:45 sailing on Caledonian Isles arriving at Brodick at 10:40. I sailed on Waverley at 11:30 and arrived at Campbeltown at 13:40 where I went ashore for a small refreshment in the Commercial Inn in the company of friends. We sailed again at 16:12 to reach Brodick at 18:15, time for another small refreshment in Duncan's Bar before sailing again on Caledonian Isles at 19:20, reaching Ardrossan at 20:15 for the train (318269) at 20:32 arriving at Central at 21:22.

Waverley leaving Brodick for Ayr after the only visit to Campbeltown in 2001

The Royal Princess on the Clyde — Thursday, 9 August 2001

A standard Thursday sail with Waverley leaving Greenock at 10:30, calling at Helensburgh (11:00), Dunoon (11:45), Rothesay (12:35), Largs (13:15) and Millport (13:45) before arriving at Brodick at 15:00 for a cruise to Pladda and Holy Isle. The return sailing left Brodick at 17:00, calling at Millport (18:05), Largs (18:35), Rothesay (19:15), Dunoon (20:00), and Helensburgh (20:45) before arriving back at Greenock at 21:15.

On the day, I caught the 09:17 train (320321+314) from Shettleston to arrive at Helensburgh (�4.80 cheap day return) at 10:09. Waverley sailed at 11:05 and kept more or less to time. I went ashore at Brodick ((14:50 - 17:10) for a small refreshment and arrived back at Helensburgh at 20:53, just too late for the 20:55 so I caught the 21:25 (320319), changed at Dumbarton (21:39 - 21:50) to 320307 to arrive at Shettleston at 22:36.

Despite the fine weather, I took only these two photos on the return leg between Largs and Rothesay.

A small P&O cruise liner Royal Princess heading down river past Wemyss Bay and Seamill

The Second Snark at Lochranza — Monday, 20 August 2001

After three straight Mondays sailing round Ailsa Craig, someone decided it was time for a change, "let's go somewhere different". The Lochranza pier was soon to be extended to provide a more secure overnight berth for the Claonaig ferry but it wouldn't take much more to allow Waverley to call there and someone had caught CalMac in a good mood. So we decided to take advantage of Clyde Marine's cruise program to go there before the pier was extended.

The decision by Denny in 1928 that they did not require a yard tender seems to have been more in hope than fact, prompted perhaps by the difficult economic conditions of the late 1920s. By 1937 Denny had decided that they needed such a vessel again and built a splendid 75 feet long twin screw motor vessel for the purpose (Yard No 1327). Her beam was 15 feet and gross tonnage was 50. So she was not much different in dimensions from her 1882 predecessor. However, the net tonnage of the motor vessel is quoted as 29. She was fitted up from the start to be certificated for 127 passengers. She was ordered on 1st August 1937 and launched on 27th June 1938. She was driven by 2 4-stroke Gleniffer diesel engines each of which developed 48 bhp at 1000 rpm The power was transmitted to the propeller shafts via 2:1 reduction gearboxes. Her trials speed was 9.08 knots. She had a black hull to 3" above the belting above which it was white as were her deckhouses, ventilators, boats and davits. The ventilator mouths were light blue and the insides of her bulwarks were teak coloured as were the steel companions and the windlass. The quartering of the lifebuoys was red in the usual manner and the inside of the 9 feet lifeboat was stone coloured. A varnished wooden mast topped the ensemble. Curiously the Denny Collection at the National Maritime Museum has photos of the vessel on trials and her specifications but have no plans or drawings of the vessel or her machinery. The vessel served the Dumbarton shipyard for nearly 20 years. In the late 1950s (about 1957) she sailed through the Forth & Clyde Canal, probably to Rosyth where her owners carried out work on the development of the hugely successful Denny-Brown stabiliser, in combination with Edinburgh based ship's steering gear specialists Brown Brothers The system was fitted to many of the world's most prominent passenger liners and seagoing ferries. At a later date the vessel was involved in operating excursions on the Firth of Forth, principally from the slipways of the Queensferry passage which Messrs Denny operated with three Dumbarton built diesel paddle ferries until the opening of the new Forth Road Bridge brought the ancient ferry route to an end. That happened just after the unthinkable - the world-renowned centre of shipbuilding innovation and excellence - Denny's of Dumbarton - went into voluntary liquidation in the summer of 1963. The closure of Denny's, more than any other shipyard shook the confidence of Clyde shipbuilding to its very core. Linthouse shipbuilder Alexander Stephen took a temporary lease of the yard to complete and launch the hull of Yard No 1504. Named Melbrook it was towed upriver to Stephen's own yard for completion - within the decade that venerable family firm, Stephen's of Linthouse, - shipbuilder for over two century's - would also succumb to the new economic order.

The ownership of the last Snark in the mid sixties is a bit unclear, presumably she was sold off by the receivers of Denny's empire. In 1969 she came into the ownership of Capt A D Munro's Clyde Marine Motoring and remains the jewel in the crown of that old established Clyde firm to this day and, hopefully, for many days to come.

Finally, that name of Yard No 1327 which I have avoided till now. When she entered the Leven on 27th June 1938 she was named THE SECOND SNARK, not SECOND SNARK. Why? She wasn't the second Snark - even if we restrict the 'head-count to the Denny-owned vessels she was the third Snark. The only reason that I can think of is that the previous Snark which had been sold 10 years earlier but continued in service may still have been around and still bearing her original name when the new vessel appeared in 1938 and so the motor vessel was the second Snark on the river at the time. Either that or the Denny's had forgotten about their first Snark by 1938. That I doubt.

I caught a train (320304) from Shettleston at 09:03 (�6.50 cheap day return to Largs), arrived at Queen Street at 09:12, left from Central (318257) at 09:45 and arrived at Largs at 10:44. The Second Snark sailed at 11:01 (�15.00), called at Millport (11:30 - 11:34) and reached Lochranza at 13:06. We went ashore for a small refreshment in the Lochranza Hotel. We sailed again at 15:06 and were back at Largs at 17:10 where further refreshment was taken before I caught a train (318251+253) at 18:53, reached Central at 18:52, left Queen Street (320322) at 20:24 and arrived back at Shettleston at 20:34.

The Second Snark at Lochranza	"Loch Tarbert" arrives from Claonaig

The "Second Snark" and "Loch Tarbert"	Lochranza Castle

Next stop, that exotic destination - the Forth and Clyde Canal

Balmoral at Carrick Castle — Sunday, 23 September 2001

Balmoral sailed from Glasgow at 10:30, calling at Greenock (12:10), Helensburgh (12:40), Dunoon (13:20) and Carrick Castle (14:30 - 15:15) before returning to Dunoon (17:05), Helensburgh (17:40) and Greenock (18:10) to arrive back at Glasgow at 19:45.

On the day, I boarded at Glasgow, went ashore at Carrick Castle (14:35 - 15:20) and got off again at Glasgow at 19:57.

The first photo below overlaps the last photo on the Forth and Clyde Canal, hence the unusual dimensions.

Balmoral at Carrick Castle

There are no more Waverley slides for 2001, next stop, more Forth & Clyde Canal.

2002

This was the twelfth year that I purchased a Scottish Commodore ticket allowing unlimited sails on Waverley and Balmoral in all Scottish waters, �425 this year. In order to get value for money I enjoyed as many sails as I could manage (35) over the year, saving �388.80 in unpaid fares. We won't mention the approximately �1011 I spent onboard and getting to and from all those sailings.

Waverley in the Western Isles — from Friday, 28 April 2002

Waverley at Red Bay — Saturday, 22 June 2002

Brilliance of the Seas at Greenock — Saturday, 27 July 2002

Waverley at Rothesay — Saturday, 3 August 2002

Waverley at Tighnabruaich — Saturday 10 August 2002

Waverley sailings in 2003

Waverley in the Western Isles — from Thursday, 9 May 2002

Day 1 - Friday, May 3 — Waverley sailed from Glasgow at 07:00, calling at Largs (09:30), Campbeltown (12:30), Port Ellen (15:30 - 16:00) and arriving at Oban at 20:30.

I boarded at Glasgow, we were at Port Ellen at 15:57 - 16:15 and arrived at Oban at 20:15 where I booked in to the youth hostel for 2 nights (�22.00).

Day 2 - Saturday, May 4 — Waverley sailed from Oban at 10:00 up the Sound of Mull to call at Tobermory (12:00) and on to Armadale (15:00 - 16:30) before returning to Tobermory at 19:30 and Oban at 21:30.

I sailed from Oban and we were more or less on time at Armadale where I walked with friends down to the Ardvasar Hotel (15:10 - 16:10) for a small refreshment. We sailed again on time at 16:30 and arrived back at Oban at 21:20.

Day 3 - Sunday, May 5 — Waverley started from Fort William at 10:00 and called at Oban at 12:15 for the traditional Four Loch's and Corryvreckan Whirlpool cruise returning to Oban at 17:30 and Fort William at 19:45 with a coach return to Oban at 21:30.

Waverley spent the night at Oban and I again took advantage of a light sail leaving Oban at 07:00 to Fort William (09:10 - 10:12) and back to Oban at 12:10 where I disembarked. This year, I left Waverley to her own devices and caught a bus at 12:45 (�11.20 single) via Dalmally (13:24 - 13:26), Inveraray (13:58 - 14:08), Arrochar (14:37 - 14:42) and Tarbet (14:45) to pass the Balloch turn-off at 15:06 and arrive at Buchanan Bus Station at 15:48 whence I walked down to Ingram Street and caught a bus home.

Day 4 - Monday, May 6 — Waverley sailed from Fort Wiliam at 09:00 and from Oban at 11:15 for the traditional visit to the Sacred Isle of Iona returning to Oban at 19:30 with a coach return to Fort William at 21:15.

Day 5 - Tuesday, May 7 — Waverley sailed from Oban at 08:00 and called at Armadale (13:30 - 14:00) before continuing to Kyle of Lochalsh arriving there at 16:00

Day 6 - Wednesday, May 8 — Waverley sailed from Kyle at 10:00 to Portree (11:45) before returning to Kyle (13:30) for a cruise in the Kyle Rhea, returning to Kyle (15:30) and Portree at 17:15.

Day 7 - Thursday, May 9 — Waverley left Portree at 10:00, calling at Broadford (11:30), Kyle (12:15) and Mallaig (14:00) before cruising in Loch Nevis, returning to Mallaig (16:00), Kyle (17:45) and Broadford (18:30), arriving back at Portree at 20:00.

It was time for me to go sailing again so I caught a bus from Buchanan Bus Station at 07:00 passing the Balloch turn-off (07:40), Tarbet (08:00), Crianlarich (08:27 - 08:31), Tyndrum (08:38 - 08:44), Glencoe Village (09:25 - 09:27), Ballachulish (09:29 - 09:30), Fort William (09:55 - 10:17), Spean Bridge (10:31 - 10:33), Invergarry (11:00), Morriston Bridge (11:18) and Sheil Bridge (11:43 - 11:45) to arrive in Kyle of Lochalsh at 12:08. 175 miles for �17.50 single.

The bus continued to Portree and Uig (for the ferry to Lochmaddy, North Uist and Tarbert, Harris but I boarded Waverley and we sailed at 12:23 and remained aboard until we arrived at Broadford at 18:18 where I booked in to the youth hostel for 1 night (�9.50).

Waverley at Broadford

Day 8 - Friday, May 10 — Waverley sailed from Kyle of Lochalsh at 10:00, calling at Broadford (10:45) and Portree (12:15) for a short cruise up the east coast of Skye as far as Staffin Island, returning to Portree (14:15), Broadford (15:45) and Kyle (16:30) before continuing south round Ardnamurchan to arrive at Tobermory at 20:30.

I caught a bus from Broadford at 08:42 (�2.50 single) to Kyleakin (08:56) and walked over the Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh, arriving there at 09:40. Waverley sailed at 10:02 and I remained aboard until we arrived at Tobermory at 20:20 where I booked in to the youth hostel for 1 night (�9.50).

Day 9 - Saturday, May 11 — Waverley sailed from Tobermory at 10:00, calling at Oban (12:00) and Fort William (14:00) for a short cruise on Loch Eil, returning to Fort William (15:30), Oban (17:30) and Tobermory (19:30) before returning to Oban at 21:30.

I took a few photos before sailing on Waverley at 10:02 and remained aboard until the second call at Oban at 17:52 where I booked in to the youth hostel for 2 nights (�22.00). I dined on a fish supper (�3.50) before retiring.

Waverley at Tobermory with the Western Isles Hotel above	Waverley at Tobermory with Macbraynes Tobermory - Kilchoan ferry "Raasay" alongside

Day 10 - Sunday, May 12 — Waverley sailed from Oban at 10:00, passing Iona and Staffa to reach Coll (14:30 - 15:00) from where she made a short cruise returning to Coll (16:00 - 16:30) and round the north of Mull to arrive back at Oban at 20:00.

I sailed on Waverley at 10:02 and disembarked at Coll at 14:20 and took a few photos before walking in to Arinagour for a small refreshment while Waverley made her short cruise. We sailed again at 16:35 and were back at Oban at 19:45 where I dined on cod and chips in a restaurant (�6.75) before retiring.

PS Waverley at the pier on Coll		Waverley heads out to sea from Coll with Eilean Ornsay beyond

Arinagour Fire Station ...	... and how it looked in 1990

Day 11 - Monday, May 13 — Waverley offered only a short cruise on Loch Linnhe from 10:00 - 14:30.

Well, I decided that today was not very attractive and tomorrow would require an overnight stay in Campbeltown, so I again caught a bus from Oban at 11:00 (�11.20 single), passed Dalmally at 11:45 and reached Tyndrum at 12:02 where the bus terminated leaving a dozen passengers to await another bus coming from Fort William which arrived late at 12:48. We passed through Crianlarich (12:56) and Tarbet (13:26 - 13:27) and passed the Balloch turn-off (13:48) before crossing the Erskine Bridge to call at Glasgow Airport (14:13 - 14:15) before arriving at Buchanan Bus Station at 14:33 whence I walked down to Ingram Street to catch the bus home.

Day 12 - Tuesday, May 14 — Waverley sailed from Oban at 10:00, calling at Crinan (12:00 - 13:00) before arriving at Campbeltown at 18:30 from where I assume she travelled south to the Bristol Channel.

Waverley at Red Bay — Saturday, 22 June 2002

Waverley sailed from Ayr at 09:00, called at Campbeltown (11:30) and Red Bay (at the foot of Glenariff on the Antrim Coast) at 14:00 before cruising up the Antrim Coast to Fair Head, returning to Red Bay at 16:00, Campbeltown (18:30) and Ayr at 21:00.

An early weekend start necessitated an early rise to catch a train from Shettleston at 06:48, changing in Glasgow (06:57 - 07:12) to take the Stranraer train (156xxx+504) to Ayr (�6.90 cheap day return) arriving at 08:01. Waverley sailed at 09:05 and arrived at Red Bay at 14:07, where I disembarked, took some photos, and walked the half mile into Waterfoot for a small refreshment. The return sailing left at 16:15 and arrived back at Ayr at 21:25, a quick walk to the station to catch the train (334007) at 21:43, change in Glasgow (22:43 - 22:53, 320314+311) and was back at Shettleston at 23:03.

Waverley at the pier at Red Bay	The road from Red Bay to Waterfoot (Glenariff)

Waverley going astern out of Red Bay with Garron Point beyond

Brilliance of the Seas at Greenock — Saturday, 27 July 2002

This was meant to be a standard Saturday sail from Glasgow at 10:00, calling at Greenock (11:40), Helensburgh (12:05), Dunoon (12:45), Rothesay (13:40) and Tighnabruaich (14:30 - 15:40) returning to Rothesay (16:30), Dunoon (17:40), Helensburgh (18:05) and Greenock (18:25) to arrive back at Glasgow at 20:00.

However, between Dunoon and Rothesay, at 13:30, we broke down. I can't remember whether we drifted or dropped anchor but it was 16:10 before the Clyde Marine tug Beaver arrived to tow us back to Greenock (18:53 - 19:27) where coaches were laid on to convey us back to Glasgow, arriving on time at 20:00!

P&O liner Brilliance of the Seas manoeuvering off Greenock

Clyde Marine's tug Beaver tows the disabled Waverley in to Greenock

Waverley at Rothesay — Saturday, 3 August 2002

This was a standard Saturday sail to Tighnabruaich but I got off at Rothesay (13:25) and walked round to the Port Royal Hotel at Port Bannantyne (14:15 - 15:25) for a small refreshment and was back in Rothesay at 16:10, ready to sail at 16:40 to arrive back in Glasgow at 19:59.

PS Waverley leaving Rothesay

Waverley at Tighnabruaich — Saturday, 10 August 2002

Another standard Saturday sail from Glasgow to Tighnabruaich, keeping to timetable on the way out but losing 10 minutes on the way back to Glasgow.

Waverley at Anderston Quay, viewed through the Glasgow and Central Station bridges	Waverley at Tighnabruaich Pier

2003

This was the thirteenth, and last year that I purchased a Commodore ticket. Since I did not intend to go to the Western Isles (on Balmoral this year), I just bought a Clyde ticket for �350. In order to get value for money I enjoyed as many sails as I could manage (28) over the year, saving �374.35 in unpaid fares. We won't mention the approximately �677.26 I spent onboard and getting to and from all those sailings.

Waverley to Campbeltown — Sunday, 29 June 2003

Waverley at Brodick — Thursday, 3 July 2003

Waverley at Lochranza — Sunday, 6 July 2003

Waverley at Lochranza — Sunday, 20 July 2003

Waverley at Brodick — Thursday, 28 August 2003

Waverley sailings in 2004

Waverley to Campbeltown — Sunday, 29 June 2003

Waverley sailed from Glasgow at 09:00, calling at Greenock (10:40), Helensburgh (11:05) and Lochranza (13:25) to arrive at Campbeltown at 15:00 for a cruise to the Sanda Islands and Mull of Kintyre, returning to Campbeltown (17:30), Lochranza (18:55), Helensburgh (21:15) and Greenock (21:30) for a coach return to Glasgow at 21:55.

On the day, I got on at Glasgow and got off at Campbeltown at 15:08, took some photos and repaired to the Commercial Inn for a small refreshment. The return sailing left at 17:44 and arrived at Greenock at 22:22. The coach left at 22:31 and arrived at Anderston Quay at 23.07.

I seem to have completely missed Waverley's first call at Lochranza.

The old Fishmarket in the Briggate	Site of the Scott Lithgow shipyard at Port Glasgow

Waverley leaving Campbeltown

		A coaster loading logs at the (other) jetty

Waverley at Brodick — Thursday, 3 July

A standard Thursday sail departing from Greenock at 10:30, calling at Helensburgh (11:00), Dunoon (11:45), Rothesay (12:35), Largs (13:15), Millport (13:45) and Brodick (15:00) for a cruise to Pladda, returning to Brodick (17:00), Millport (18:05), Largs (18:35), Rothesay (19:15), Dunoon (20:00) and Helensburgh (20:45) before arriving back at Greenock at 21:15.

As usual, I caught a train from Shettleston at 09:17 (320308+320) to Helensburgh (�4.90 cheap day return) arriving at 10:10. Waverley sailed at 11:05 and arrived at Brodick at 14:55 where I disembarked for a small refreshment. We sailed again at 17:10 and arrived at Helensburgh at 20:50. The train (320320) left at 21:24 and I changed at Queen Street (21:12 - 21:23) to 320322 which arrived at Shettleston at 22:32.

Waverley in Brodick Bay

Waverley at Lochranza — Sunday, 6 July 2003

The opening of Lochranza pier heralded a new era of Sunday schedules leaving Glasgow at 10:30, calling at Greenock (12:10), Largs (13:10), Rothesay (13:50) then through the Kyles to Lochranza (15:50) for a cruise to Skipness Point, returning to Lochranza (16:50) then round the south of Bute to Rothesay (18:15), Largs (18:55) and Greenock (19:55) before arriving back at Glasgow at 21:30.

On the day, I sailed from Glasgow and arrived at Lochranza at 16:10 where I went ashore. We left again a 17:05 and reached Largs at 19:15 where I disembarked and Neil gave me a lift, leaving at 19:38, to Partick station at 20:17 whence I caught a train (320313, �1.90 single) at 20:37 to Shettleston, arriving at 20:56.

Waverley on her second call at the newly extended Lochranza Pier		The newly extended Lochranza Pier

Waverley at Lochranza

Waverley at Lochranza — Sunday, 20 July 2003

A repeat of the sailing above, I again boarded at Glasgow and went shore at Lochranza at 15:51, this time partaking of a small refreshment before photographing Waverley's return from the cruise. We sailed again at 17:21 and arrived at Largs at 19:32 where I caught the train (334015+002) at 19:53, ariving at Central at 20:57 whence I took the bus home.

	Waverley loiters to allow the ferry in first	"Loch Tarbert" passing Lochranza Pier

Waverley approaching Lochranza		Waverley at Lochranza

		Loch Ranza

Waverley at Brodick — Thursday, 28 August 2003

A standard Thursday sail departing from Greenock at 10:30, calling at Helensburgh (11:00), Dunoon (11:45), Rothesay (12:35), Largs (13:15), Millport (13:45) and Brodick (15:00) for a cruise to Pladda, returning to Brodick (17:00), Millport (18:05), Largs (18:35), Rothesay (19:15), Dunoon (20:00) and Helensburgh (20:45) before arriving back at Greenock at 21:15.

As usual, I caught a train from Shettleston at 09:23 (320318+301) to Helensburgh (�4.90 cheap day return) arriving at 10:13. Waverley sailed at 11:00 and arrived at Brodick at 14:50 where I disembarked for a small refreshment. We sailed again at 17:00 and arrived at Helensburgh at 20:51, meaning a half hour wait for the next train. So I set off on foot along the shore to Craigendoran, arriving there at 21:24 and caught the train (320306) which I would have caught from Helensburgh, at 21:28, changing at Dumbarton (21:39 - 21:50) to 320321 which arrived at Shettleston at 22:36.

Waverley below Goat Fell

That's the last of Waverley slides for 2003, now it's back to Glasgow

2004

I did not buy a Commodore Ticket this year, I can't remember why not, so had to spend �330.75 for 13 sails. (A commodore ticket would have cost �445.) As before, I won't mention the approximately �411 I spent onboard and getting to and from all those sails. The only timetable I have found is an advance copy and the quoted sailing times might have changed before the season started.

Waverley in the Western Isles — from Friday, 30 April 2004

Waverley to Lochranza — Sunday, 18 July 2004

Waverley at the Science Centre — Saturday, 24 July 2004

Waverley at Lochranza — Sunday, 15 August 2004

Waverley at Tighnabruaich — Saturday 10 August 2002

Waverley in the Western Isles — from Friday, 30 April 2004

Day 1 - Friday, April 30 — Waverley sailed from Glasgow at 07:00, calling at Largs (09:30), Campbeltown (12:30) and Port Ellen (15:30 - 16:00) before arriving at Oban at 20:30.

Since I had no Commodore ticket, I had to pay �33 for this trip. I sailed from Glasgow, passing Largs (09:33 - 09:38), Campbeltown (12:05 - 12:30) and Port Ellen (15:38 - 16:02) to arrive at Oban at 20:45 where I booked in to the youth hostel for 2 nights (�24.00).

Day 2 - Saturday, May 1 — Waverley sailed from Oban at 10:00, calling at Tobermory (12:00) and Armadale (15:00 - 16:30) before returning to Tobermory (19:30) and Oban (21:30).

Waverley sailed at 10:00 (�33.00), called at Tobermory (11:45 - 12:00) and arrived at Armadale at 15:28. As on previous occasions, I walked down to Ardvasar (15:43 - 16:26) for a small refreshment and was back at Armadale at 16:40 to sail at 16:50, we passed Tobermory (19:13 - 19:32) and were back at Oban at 21:11.

Waverley at the North Pier	Bow visor closing as "Isle of Arran" departs	The "Isle of Arran" departs

	The "Isle of Arran" goes out and the "Isle of Mull" comes in

The lighthouse at the south end of Lismore	"Isle of Mull" coming out of Craignure	The bay between Armadale and Ardvasar

Day 3 - Sunday, May 2 — Waverley sailed from Oban at 07:00 to Fort William (10:00) before returning to Oban (12:15) for the traditional Four Lochs and Corryvreckan Whirlpool cruise, returning to Oban (17:30) and Fort William (19:45) with a coach return to Oban arriving at 21:30.

But today, I left Waverley to her own devices and, after taking a few photos, caught a train (156499) at 12:36 passing Connell Ferry (12:48 - 12:53), Taynuilt (13:03 - 13:05), Loch Awe (13:18 - 13:19), Dalmally (13:23 - 13:24), Tyndrum Lower (13:40 - 13:41), Crianlarich (13:48 - 13:57), Ardlui (14:11 - 14:44), Arrochar (14:27 - 14:29), Garelochhead (14:48 - 14:49) and Helensburgh Upper (14:59 - 15:00) before changing at Dumbarton (15:12 - 15:40) to 320305 which conveyed me to Shettleston at 16:26.

"Isle of Arran" leaving Oban	"Isle of Arran" passing out of Oban Bay, from Dunollie Castle

"Isle of Arran" passing "Isle of Mull"	"Isle of Mull" entering Oban Bay	The keep of Dunollie Castle

Waverley made the traditional Monday sail to Iona then sailed out to the Outer Isles for a few days, returning to Oban for another weekend including a visit to Staffa and a landing at Coll, before going south. I made no further sailings until June but took no more photos until July 18.

Waverley to Lochranza — Sunday, 18 July 2004

A standard Sunday sail, more leisurely than last year, leaving Glasgow at 10:00, calling at Greenock (11:40), Largs (13:00), Rothesay (14:00) then through the Kyles to Lochranza (15:40) for a cruise to Skipness Point, returning to Lochranza (16:40) then round the south of Bute to Rothesay (18:10), Largs (18:50) and Greenock (20:00) before arriving back at Glasgow at 21:30.

On the day, I sailed from Glasgow, paying �27.00 for the sail to Lochranza where we arrived at 15:25. As usual, I went ashore for a small refreshment and we sailed again at 16:45, arriving back at Anderston Quay at 21:42.

Waverley at Anderston Quay on the last Sunday before her move to the Science Centre		The new flats near the Finnieston Crane

Bell's Bridge, the IMAX cinema and the Science Centre		That tower

SS Glenlee at Yorkhill Quay	The new flats replacing the Meadowside Granary

Lochranza Castle from the shore	Waverley in the distance approaching Lochranza	Waverley arriving at Lochranza

Waverley at the end of Lochranza Pier	Lochranza Castle the Waverley	Lochranza from the departing Waverley

Waverley at the Science Centre — Saturday, 24 July 2004

A standard Saturday sail from Glasgow at 10:00, calling at Greenock (11:40), Helensburgh (12:05), Dunoon (12:45), Rothesay (13:40) and Tighnabruaich (14:30 - 15:40) returning to Rothesay (16:40), Dunoon (17:30), Helensburgh (18:15, probably a misprint in the timetable) and Greenock (18:25) to arrive back at Glasgow at 20:00.

This was the first weekend of sailing from Waverley's new home at the Science Centre - the new bridge at Finnieston would block access to Anderston Quay. It was a longer walk from the city centre but I managed it in a reasonable time. Waverley sailed at 10:04 (�29.95) and arrived at Tighnabruaich at 14:45 where I went ashore etc. The return sailing departed at 15:52 and we were back at Glasgow at 20:02.

The site of the proposed bridge at Finnieston	Waverley at her new berth at the Science Centre

Waverley at Lochranza — Sunday, 15 August 2004

A standard Sunday sail, leaving Glasgow at 10:00, calling at Greenock (11:40), Largs (13:00), Rothesay (14:00) then through the Kyles to Lochranza (15:40) for a cruise to Skipness Point, returning to Lochranza (16:40) then round the south of Bute to Rothesay (18:10), Largs (18:50) and Greenock (20:00) before arriving back at Glasgow at 21:30.

I boarded at Glasgow (�27.00) and arrived at Lochranza at 15:29 where I went ashore etc. The return sailing departed at 17:00 and reached Largs at 19:08 where I got off and went for a train (334009) at 19:55 (�5.40 to Shettleston) changed in Glasgow (20:58 - 21:17) to 318270 which arived at Shettleston at 21:26.

The new pontoon at the Broomielaw with the Renfrew Ferry, Neptune's Lady and a jack-up pile driver opposite	"Loch Tarbert" manoeuvres round Waverley to approach the slip at Lochranza

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