On Sunday 15th August Waverley will return to Ardrishaig – her first call at the Argyll village for 20 years. Her last was on Tuesday 24th July 2001 when she dropped off a special party travelling from the Cathedral of the Isles on Cumbrae.

Calls at Ardrishaig are rare although Waverley has made a few visits during her preservation career. In 1996 she was chartered by the Clyde River Steamer Club to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the Marchioness of Graham. On this occasion a MacBrayne bus was provided to operate between Tarbert and Ardrishaig.

The special sailing this year is on charter to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society’s Scottish Branch. The Society has chartered Waverley previously to Ardrishaig, the first occasion in September 1970 and the second on 24th May 1975 – Waverley’s very first public sailing in preservation.

The special sailing this year is supported by Scottish Canals. A craft fair will take place at Ardrishaig and the Egg Shed will be open for refreshments. Locals are invited to turn up and watch Waverley steam into the harbour.

Thanks to West Coast Motors a free vintage bus shuttle will operate from Lochgilphead to see Waverley at Ardrishaig and visit the craft fair. The bus will depart Lochnell Street at 1345, 1415 and 1445. It will depart Pier Square at 1545, 1600 and 1630.

Waverley will depart Glasgow at 0900, Greenock at 1040, Largs at 1215 and Tarbert at 1415 before arriving into Ardrishaig by 1515 where she will stay for 1 hour.

Given the relaxation in physical distancing some more tickets are now available for the sailing on Sunday 15th August. Tickets can be pre-booked at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or purchased on board Waverley.

Don’t miss this special cruise aboard Waverley, book your ticket now!