Waverley Scottish Summer Season 2017
With the Scottish summer season for PS Waverley now officially over, let’s look back at some of the highlights of the year 2017.
Waverley began the season on a very sunny Friday 26th May where she sailed from Glasgow to Largs. Unfortunately the cruise had to be shortened due to a water issue but teething problems can be expected during the few days spent on the Clyde before heading North to the Western Isles. Waverley spent some time at Largs where the issue was resolved and the cruise continued for the return leg to Glasgow.
Waverley basks in the sun at Largs as passengers enjoy some time ashore. Caledonian MacBrayne’s Loch Shira is at the slip.
Returning upriver to Glasgow on her first sail of the season.
After heading North to the Western Isles, Waverley again experienced troubles at Portree and repairs were swiftly made in Oban.
Waverley undergoes paddle wheel repairs in the evening sunshine at Oban. Caledonian MacBrayne’s Isle of Mull can be seen entering the bay.
Waverley resumed sailing on Sunday 4th June and visited the Island of Tiree on Monday 5th June.
Waverley lies at the CalMac berth in Scarinish, Isle of Tiree.
After carrying out private charters in the Western Isles, Waverley returned to home waters on the Clyde. On Sunday 16th July, she called at Campbeltown and allowed passengers time ashore before returning upriver.
Passengers disembark Waverley at Campbeltown.
Letting off some smoke in Campbeltown.
On the return from Campbeltown, Waverley performed an as yet unseen manoeuvre at Lochranza. Captain Colledge positioned the vessel on the North Western side of the jetty rather than the small North Eastern edge. The prevailing wind made this position far more stable than balancing the ship on the end of the solid structure.
View looking astern as Waverley sits on the North Western face of Lochranza pier.
View looking ahead as Waverley prepares to discharge passengers.
Following the period where Waverley underwent air pump repairs, she continued with her weekly Clyde excursions to Arran, Bute, Loch Fyne and Loch Long.
Approaching Tarbert pier on a rainy Wednesday 2nd August.
Waverley heads for Largs on a wet Sunday 6th August before heading up Loch Long.
Waverley lies off Ayr as she awaits a pilot on a much brighter Tuesday 8th August.
Enjoying the evening sun off the Heads of Ayr. Ailsa Craig can be seen in the distance.
Waverley lazes in the sunshine as she lies idle off Ayr harbour in a moment of peace and reflection.
Safely moored at Compass pier in Ayr harbour.
Honorary President of the PSPS Scottish Branch, Douglas McGowan MBE with Waverley as she approaches Largs.
Waverley undergoing mooring operations at Tarbert on Wednesday 9th August. Caledonian MacBrayne’s Isle of Cumbrae is seen leaving.
Leaving Largs and heading for Keppel in the evening.
On Monday 14th August, Waverley had to cancel her trip into the open firth due to adverse weather. However, the alternative cruise offered took her to the rarely visited Gare Loch.
Waverley cruising the Gare Loch.
Waverley after passing the Rhu Narrows.
Waverley terminated a cruise at Brodick for the first time since 1990 on Tuesday 15th August where the ship did not return to Ayr due to prevailing conditions.
Waverley departs Brodick old pier with Goatfell in the backdrop.
Returning from her Holy Isle cruise on a blustery Thursday 17th August. Sølvtrans’ live fish carrying vessel, Ronja Viking, is seen passing astern.
Lying at Glasgow Science Centre and ready to start the day’s itinerary on Saturday 19th August.
Time ashore in a drizzly Tighnabruaich.
Heading upriver with the evening sun directly astern.
Waverley returns to Largs after a visit to Ailsa Craig on Monday 21st August.
Returning to Tarbert from a successful cruise to Otter Ferry on Wednesday 23rd August.
Leaving Largs after another great day spent on the Clyde.