On Monday 16th June 1947 the last Clyde paddle steamer built for the London and North Eastern Railway entered service – P.S. Waverley- bringing colour back to many corners of the Clyde after the long period of war.

It was an early start for the new paddler when she first left Craigendoran bound for Rothesay and then up Loch Long to Arrochar on her maiden voyage. She continued to use Craigendoran and Arrochar Pier until they both closed in 1972.

For her first summer Waverley’s roster included an early run to Rothesay. She would then sail via Dunoon to Lochgoilhead and Arrochar, and returned to Craigendoran in time for an evening run to Rothesay and back. The popularity of the sailing was mainly due to it being part of the famous Three Lochs Tour. Passengers would disembark at Arrochar, cross to Tarbet on Loch Lomond and sail by paddle steamer (Princess May or Prince Edward in 1947) to Balloch. A train connection was then available at Balloch.

Waverley’s 2018 Clyde summer season starts on Friday 22nd June and runs until Sunday 26th August. Full details are available from Waverley Excursions.