In this newsletter, addressed to all CRSC members, Club President Gavin Stewart provides an update on Club activities.
Welcome to the Autumn Newsletter!
CRSC President Gavin Stewart
It feels as though summer has passed in the blink of an eye!
First of all, happy 80th birthday to PS Waverley!
What a remarkable milestone. I wonder how many of those present on 2 October 1946 could have imagined that she would still be operating 80 years later. She has just a few days remaining of her Thames season before returning to the Clyde for her final cruises of 2026. Meanwhile, the overhaul season has begun, with MV Isle of Arran entering dry dock at Birkenhead. MV Glen Sannox remains based in Stornoway to support MV Loch Seaforth and provide additional cover while MV Loch Portain remains out of service. MV Caledonian Isles and MV Alfred continue to serve Arran, with the latter’s charter extended into early 2027.
MV Glen Rosa continues fitting out at Inchgreen, while news of the delivery date for MV Loch Indaal is eagerly awaited by both the island community she is being built to serve and ferry enthusiasts alike.
For regular ferry updates, do not forget to visit the Members’ Area of the club website and read John Newth’s excellent Scottish Ferry News reports.
Cruise Update (courtesy of Interim Cruise Manager Graeme Hogg)
Around 25 members, including myself, attended this year’s nominated excursion aboard PS Waverley, and an enjoyable day was had by all. Although the weather did not match last year’s trip, those present made the most of the opportunity to sail and socialise. A full report can be found on the website.
The Arran excursion originated from a suggestion by one of our members, and we are always pleased to consider further ideas. Please use the link provided at the end of the aforementioned report.
We are exploring the possibility of another Arran trip early in the New Year, along with other potential excursions including Islay and Colonsay.
Given the increasing cost of coach hire, we are also exploring whether a car-sharing scheme could provide a practical alternative. Let us know what you think!
Winter Meetings 2026/27
As I write this, we are just over a week away from the start of our Winter Meetings programme.
Having already had to postpone this presentation twice, I am very much looking forward to finally delivering it and hope to see as many members there as possible.
As mentioned in my previous newsletter, the Club returns to Leonardo Hotel, Jamaica Street, Glasgow.
All meetings start at 7pm but please feel free to come along and chat or browse our photo and publication stall from 6pm onwards.
Final Thoughts
Please continue to visit the Club website regularly for articles, updates and news. If you have any material that could be used for future articles, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Finally, while the committee helps to steer the course of the Club, it is you – our members – who keep the Clyde River Steamer Club thriving.
Take care, and I look forward to seeing many of you over the winter months.
Warm regards,
Gavin Stewart
President, Clyde River Steamer Club
Published on 5 October 2026