Waverley Paddle Steamer Round the Isle of Arran Special

Waverley Paddle Steamer Round Isle of Arran Special 🙂
It's been a decade since the Waverley paddle steamer went all the way round Arran so it was too good an opportunity to miss.
I have lived on Arran for almost 4 decades, worked for Caledonian MacBrayne for 17 years and yet the last time I was on this paddle steamer was almost half a century ago, in 1975! That was the year that, having just been sold by Caledonian MacBrayne for £1, it started it's current role.
The reason I went on the paddle steamer that day in 1975 was because I was living as a schoolboy in Glasgow...because the city was celebrating being 800 years old we all got sent on a schooltrip aboard the Waverley from Glasgow to Millport (Isle of Cumbrae) and back.
So this year I booked the trip for Sunday 13th August 2023 and hoped for good weather on the day.
It turned out sunny and still, perfect really.
The trip was a sell-out and it was a memorable occasion.
It was amazing to see Arran from a different perspective.
What a day! 🙂
‪@davetheraverovingtherock‬

[@ronaldbayne1431]

A lovely day, a calm sea, and blue skies, and the complete coast of Arran. What more could you want. A great achievement and an exciting video. Thank you for taking so much trouble in getting a reminder of a great day. Thanks rmb

[@davetheraverovingtherock]

Aw nice one. yes, we were very lucky with the weather. I booked in advance so i wouldn't miss out, and then took my chances with the weather. It was perfect. I hope they repeat it next year for those who didn't manage this time . Cheers :-)

[@WoodyWeb1]

Great video - seeing Arran from a different perspective. Shame there isn't a company doing this kind of trip regularly, it wouldn't even have to be a paddle steamer, and if they included Aisla Craig it would be perfect!

[@davetheraverovingtherock]

Yes. Hopefully it'll be more regular now anyway, sice it sold out :-)

[@alanfaddes9160]

Brilliant video thanks for sharing your experience

[@davetheraverovingtherock]

Thanks. I really enjoyed the whole trip :-)

[@markshrimpton3138]

I’ve been “doon the watter” on The Waverley several times, normally from the Isle of Arran. The last time we were onboard, it was a beautiful sunny day too, with the Kilbrannan Sound, between Arran and Kintyre, like the proverbial mill pond. As the ship turned to thrash her way back to Lochranza, a Spitfire of all things appeared out of a cloudless sky. The pilot was obviously as intrigued by the sight below him as we were of such an iconic plane, because it banked and flew around The Waverley several times, waggling its wings in salute. The Waverley blew her horn in response and we passengers cheered and waved. The ‘Spit’ then climbed and resumed its original course.

[@davetheraverovingtherock]

Gosh. Amazing and a memory for life

[@rossnimmo2244]

Great video and wonderful weather too

[@davetheraverovingtherock]

Thanks :-)

[@louisajones3535]

This so good…having to watch a little at a time as I should be working! Thanks tho😊

[@davetheraverovingtherock]

I hope you go on the paddle steamer yourself one time soon

[@maryfessler1744]

Lovely video David

[@davetheraverovingtherock]

Cheers :-)

[@russmclean2395]

Thanks for sharing this video Dave. It has been a rare wee treat just to watch on KZbin and must have been bliss to sail around the island on the actual ship. One of those special Arran Summer Days that you remember for decades. Also very helpful to see that folk seem to like sailing around the island. We are working to buy back the old MV Lochmor from Iceland and run trips out of the Sannox Hotel when the renovations are finally completed. Plus some recreational sailings from Arran to the islands of Alisa Craig + Davaar Island, Sanda Island etc. A similar thing was quite popular 40 years ago out of Blackrock House Hotel in Corrie when we were growing up. Though that was more of fishing trip sort of thing than PS Waverley voyages. Fingers crossed we can match what you guys enjoyed today. Arran is the best island in the country on days like this day.

[@davetheraverovingtherock]

Gosh, that'd be amazing. You really have got big plans. Please keep in touch and I would love to run a wee story or two on it sometime :-)