The West Highland Steamer Club was well represented on a cruise organised by Iain Quinn on Saturday 3^rd December 2005.

The vessel was Clyde Marine’s CRUISER and, after departing from the Victoria Harbour, Greenock, we were due to call at Helensburgh and Blairmore before heading up to Arrochar.

An enthusiastic crowd of passengers gathered at the departure point watching the dark skies expecting the worst but hoping for the best. The weather was cold and blustery but at least it wasn’t raining.

Eighty passengers were expected on board for the cruise.

THE SECOND SNARK, always a popular vessel, was moored in the harbour. Other Clyde Marine vessels included BATTLER, BEAVER BAY, BITER and PUNCHER.

We departed at 1000 sharp and headed across to Helensburgh. Three container ships were moored at the Greenock Ocean Terminal. To see the Terminal with three ships loading and unloading at the same time is an encouraging sight. A bulk carrier was heading upriver probably to Shieldhall.

A small crowd of around ten passengers were waiting at Helensburgh. As soon as they were on board we were heading up the Gareloch to see JUPITER and LOCH TARBERT. The two Caledonian MacBrayne vessels are laid up for the winter at Roseneath. The cost of mooring vessels in the James Watt Dock is becoming prohibitive hence the need for CalMac to look elsewhere when laying up their ferries. CalMac is also using the former MOD base at Fairlie, now owned by Largs Marina, for this purpose.

JUPITER is moored at the front face of the pier, formerly part of the McGruer & Co yacht-building yard. She is looking quite run down but is expected to be returning to service in April 2006.

LOCH TARBERT is moored on the inside of the pier. We could not get close to her due to the number of mooring buoys to the north of the pier.

CRUISER reversed away from Rosneath and headed for Blairmore. Everyone took the chance to go below and warm themselves with a welcoming cup of tea or coffee. Many headed straight for Iain’s merchandise stall and spent a happy twenty minutes or so flicking through his treasure trove of postcards, some of them absolute gems. Also on sale were books, magazines and calendars.

We arrived at Blairmore at 1115. Blairmore Pier, opened in 1855, is operated by The Friends of Blairmore Pier Trust on a long-term lease from its owner, Agnes Harvey. It is a “not-for-profit” organisation generating income from berthing fees, merchandise and organised events. The pier’s prime function is to provide marine transport links and, at the present time, provides the only access point from the sea to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Regular calls at the pier ceased after May 12^th 1973. WAVERLEY called at Blairmore in June 1997 after which time the deteriorating condition of the pier prevented any more calls by large ships.

The restoration of Blairmore Pier was aided by a grant of £98,895. On 22^nd May 2005 WAVERLEY reopened the pier before sailing up Loch Long recreating the service for which she was built. Work was completed by 31^st July in time for the 150^th anniversary celebrations. A small heritage centre has been established on the pier.

The Friends of Blairmore Pier Trust set up a stall below decks from which they sold posters, pens, postcards and booklets telling the history of the pier. A total of £100 was raised during the cruise.

Lunch was served after departing from Blairmore. Upon entering the after-lounge we were greeted with a splendid array of sandwiches and a cup of soup. Those who wished for stronger refreshments made for the forward-lounge where the bar was in full swing.

Back out on the deck the weather was kind to us. As we made our way up Loch Long the skies opened to present clear views of the mountains through which the loch was cut by the actions of glaciers many millions of years ago. The wind had died down to a pleasant breeze and our ship cleaved her way through the calm waters with only seabirds for company. Some porpoises entertained us as they practised their jumping skills around the ship.

A high tide was evident at Arrochar. We passed the Admiralty Pier where we called on CRUISER two years ago. The remnants of the steamer pier are still clearly visible. Will this be the next pier to be reopened?

On our return journey many of those on board took the chance to take photos of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship FORT AUSTIN and the tanker TRAPPER moored at Finnart. A police launch was standing guard at the Submarine Armaments Depot at Coulport, its occupants no doubt training their binoculars on the passing ship and its passengers.

Arrival time back at Blairmore was 1430 and it was time to say farewell to The Friends of Blairmore Pier Trust. The heritage centre was open giving us the opportunity to look at the exhibits depicting the history of the pier. Time for a quick photo and it was back on board.

Tea and mince pies were served as soon as we left.

Another Clyde Marine ship, KENILWORTH, passed at close quarters en route for Kilcreggan.

Before long we were back at Helensburgh and finally at Greenock. The winds had dropped and, if it wasn’t for the cold air, we could have been crossing the Firth on a summer evening.

It was a happy crowd of shipping enthusiasts and their friends who disembarked at the Victoria Harbour. Other Clubs represented on board included the Clyde River Steamer Club, Coastal Cruising Association and Clydesite. A most successful day for all concerned.

Thanks are due to CRUISER’s skipper, Tommy Ferguson, and his crew, Andy and George.

Bob Lambie, Robin Boyd and Margaret Skee assisted Iain Quinn with the organisation of the cruise. Margaret also assisted with the catering along with Angela Gillan and Derek Brown.

Finally a very special thanks to Iain’s mother, Ursula (AKA The Quinn Mother), for her splendid sandwiches, home baking and soup.