The historic paddle steamer Waverley will make its final sailing of the season from Ayr Harbour, giving passengers one last chance to board the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer during this year’s Clyde Summer programme.
The voyage is scheduled for Sunday, August 30. Waverley will leave Ayr at 2.20pm and travel to Brodick on the Isle of Arran, where passengers will have two hours to explore the village and take in its coastal views.
Passengers who prefer to remain on the vessel can stay aboard for the full cruise to Pladda and around Holy Isle. The sailing will offer views across the Firth of Clyde and its rugged coastline before bringing the seasonal programme to a close.
Ayr sailing follows strong passenger numbers
The return to Ayr comes after a successful season for Waverley in the town. More than 3,300 people have boarded the paddle steamer at Ayr this year, representing 50 per cent more passengers than last year, according to Captain Bruce Clark.
Captain Clark thanked the people who had supported the sailings and said the vessel’s return to Ayr was the right way to finish the Glasgow and Clyde Summer season.
“Ayr has been a real success story for Waverley this year, and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has stepped aboard and supported us throughout the summer.”
He also expressed thanks to Associated British Ports and the team at the Port of Ayr for helping make the sailings possible.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to finish our Glasgow and Clyde Summer season than by returning to Ayr for one final sailing.”
How to book the final trip
Tickets for the final Ayr sailing are available through the Waverley Excursions website at waverleyexcursions.co.uk. Passengers can also book by telephone on 0141 243 2224.
The sailing is being presented as a final opportunity for local residents and visitors to step aboard the historic vessel before the Clyde Summer programme ends. Waverley’s Ayr departure will combine a scheduled visit to Brodick with the option of a longer cruise around Pladda and Holy Isle.