Half a century ago: Douglas McGowan (second left) hands a pound note to Scottish Transport Group chairman Sir Patrick Thomas (second right) at James Watt Dock, Greenock, thereby securing ownership of Waverley for the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. This auspicious event, observed by Terry Sylvester (left) and CalMac general manager John Whittle (right), took place on 8 August 1974. On 8 August this year, Douglas and Terry will be reunited aboard Waverley for a special cruise marking the 50th anniversary of the steamer’s transfer from state control to operational preservation
How appropriate that, on the 50th anniversary of PS Waverley’s sale to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, one of those instrumental in securing her survival should be put ‘On the Spot’, our series showcasing the experiences and viewpoints of CRSC members. On 8 August 1974 Douglas McGowan handed over the £1 purchase price to the chairman of the Scottish Transport Group — and the rest is history. On 8 August 2024 Douglas will be re-united with Terry Sylvester, his comrade-in-arms in the campaign to save Waverley, for a special commemorative cruise from upper Firth piers to Ardrossan, Brodick and round Holy Isle. Terry gave his responses to Stuart Craig’s ‘On the Spot’ questions in March 2018. Now it is Douglas’s turn — and some of his answers are very revealing!
What is your earliest memory of sailing on a steamer?
When I was a youngster, family holidays in the 1950s were spent at Whiting Bay on the Isle of Arran, so my earliest memory is of Marchioness of Graham sailing from Ardrossan. I also have a hazy recollection of being aboard the 1925 turbine Glen Sannox in 1952 or 1953, sailing to Whiting Bay, and watching the rather hazardous loading of cars on strategically placed planks when the tide was at the right level. What would Health and Safety make of that today, I wonder?
Favourite steamer 1: the MacBrayne turbine Saint Columba arriving at Tarbert in 1958, her final season. She was renowned for her ‘majestic and distinctive’ three funnels
What was the last sailing you took?
Sunday 19 May 2024 aboard Waverley (funnily enough) from Greenock to Loch Striven in glorious warm sunshine. It was Day Three of Waverley’s 2024 season and the ship was looking superb, with a happy crew and happy passengers. I was “introduced into service” in 1948, a year later than Waverley. I used to think that I would “see her out”…….now I’m not so sure!
If you could take the paddler to a pier she has never visited before, which would you choose?
As you may have guessed, I have a strong affinity for Arran. For me it has a certain magic and is full of happy memories of family holidays, so I would love to see the paddler call at Lamlash. However, it’s unlikely as the old stone pier is a very difficult approach even at high water — though Balmoral did manage to call there a number of years ago. The next best thing was Waverley dropping anchor just off Lamlash pier on a PSPS charter, with a ferry landing. I had the pleasure of organising that one!
Favourite steamer 2: Jeanie Deans at Kilcreggan on 6 August 1964
Apart from Waverley, do you have a favourite steamer or ferry?
Can I be a little greedy and go for three favourites? First, Saint Columba with her majestic and distinctive three MacBrayne funnels. Sadly, I can only recall one sailing on her, in 1957 between Dunoon and Gourock, so it was over in a flash! My parents were visiting friends in Dunoon for the day and my father’s plan was to return on a ‘Maid’. I remember nagging him until he relented, so that we could have our short excursion on Saint Columba. Second, it has to be Jeanie Deans. To me she epitomised everything that was good about a 1930s paddle steamer. She was attractive, sleek and well appointed. It’s sad that she was unsuccessful on the Thames: her owners made some elementary errors, but that was to Waverley’s advantage only eight years later, when her opportunity came for operational preservation.
Favourite steamer 3: Caledonia at Keppel in August 1966
Finally, Caledonia, one of the finest examples to come out of the famous yard of Denny of Dumbarton. She was a sturdy paddler with steel paddle floats, very different from Waverley’s wooden floats and one of the few Clyde paddlers with a Class IIA passenger certificate, which meant she could be used for the Arran run in winter. To me, when stepping aboard, she had lots of character. I especially liked that passengers were allowed on the sponsons, unlike Waverley. We did attempt to preserve Caledonia late in 1969, with backing and financial support from Harrison’s (Clyde) Ltd and Western Ferries, but when the Caledonian Steam Packet Company discovered we had serious intentions, they refused to sell the ship as we would have been in competition.
Which was Waverley’s best livery, and do you think she would look better with just the one funnel?
On 21 February 1974 the Evening Times reported on a visit Douglas made with popular CalMac captain Hugh Campbell to inspect Waverley at Greenock, shortly after she had been put up for sale. Captain Campbell (known throughout the fleet as ‘the Duke of Argyll’) commanded the paddler in her final summer under state ownership and lent his support to the preservation campaign. Click on image to enlarge
I am rather biased as it was me who persuaded Terry Sylvester that we should restore Waverley’s funnel colours to the LNER livery of red with black top, separated with a white band. In 1974, I went to some trouble making sure that the width of the white band was the correct depth. Indeed I had discussions with Graham Langmuir and George Stromier, who were very helpful, looking at many old photographs of Waverley in 1947. In the end, I didn’t get the proportions quite right, something that wasn’t properly corrected until the major rebuild in 1999/2000. I must say I thought Waverley looked pretty good in her 1973 Calmac colours. Waverley with one funnel? You’re having a laugh! Unless of course you were an avid Talisman fan!
If young enough, what was your favourite ‘streaker’, or if older, your favourite ‘Maid’?
Maid of the Loch. In her heyday, there was nothing to beat cruising on Loch Lomond on the ‘Maid’ on a nice summer’s day. The catering, too, was usually of a high standard. I do wish the Loch Lomond Steamship Company all the best in returning her to service.
A brand new paddle steamer is being built for Clyde service. What name would you give it?
Columba.
Douglas was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in the 2017 New Year Honours list. This photo was taken after the investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 24 March. The citation said the award was made “for services to the preservation of PS Waverley and charity”.
Looking back, what is the perfect example of the Clyde steamer, or car ferry?
Same answer, Columba! She was certainly famous beyond the Clyde, and no wonder — so well-appointed, with an onboard Post Office (no scandals then!) and a barber’s shop. She was fast, comfortable and exuded elegance on the first leg of the Royal Route, from Glasgow to Ardrishaig.
What would you like to see happen on the Clyde or Hebridean ferry scene over the next few years?
Stability and reliability! The Clyde and Hebrides desperately need reliable ferries. The last several years have been a shocking experience for everyone involved. I feel particularly sorry for the islanders and those trying to run a business on the islands. I also feel sorry for CalMac, who are on the receiving end of the current chaos: they can only deal with the vessels they currently have in their fleet and, as we know all too well, some of them are not in their first flush of youth.
The best point-to-point route you’ve sailed on?
Greenock to Oban by Waverley. If the weather is favourable, it’s a fabulous day excursion — yes, a long one at 12 hours, but what magnificent scenery going round the Mull and then threading your way up to Oban at sunset. Glasgow to the Kyles is also hard to beat….and shorter!
Terry Sylvester and Douglas McGowan in June 2023 during one of Waverley’s Bristol Channel sailings. They will be re-united again on the paddler’s 8 August commemorative sailing on the Clyde. Click on image to enlarge
Which new west coast route would you like to see open up?
You’ve got me stumped! As a casual observer who has been living away from Scotland for over 40 years, I am not aware of any glaring omissions. CalMac and other operators seem to have it all sewn up. Having said that, I’m sure we will see some new routes open up in the coming decade.
What inspired you to join CRSC, and how would you like the Club to evolve over the next few years?
From the age of five or six I’ve been fascinated by the Clyde steamers, particularly the paddlers, although I had a huge soft spot for the ‘Duchesses’ and, of course, King George V. As a young boy of about nine or 10, I was given Junior Membership of the Club as a Christmas present by an uncle (it cost half a crown in the 1950s or 12.5p). I attended as many meetings as I could, at that time in the Central Halls in Bath Street, and supported all the incredibly exciting and creative charters, organised by the late and great Ian McCrorie: happy memories of sailing on the ‘Hamilton’ to Girvan and Arrochar, Caledonia to Inveraray, King George V to Lochranza and Inveraray, Maid of Argyll to Paisley Harbour. Simply wonderful! And what an honour to be given Honorary Membership of the Club a few years ago. That was very special. Thank you again.
As far as evolving over the next few years, I would like to see the Club continue to do what it does well: interesting meetings, on Zoom wherever possible, interesting excursions and quality publications — especially the magazine, which I always look forward to reading. I wish the Club all the very best in the future.
On Friday 28 June Waverley begins her main summer season on the Clyde with a ‘doon the watter’ trip from Glasgow. Tickets for that sailing and the paddler’s other excursions, including the commemorative 8 August cruise, can be bought online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by phone at 0141 243 2224.
A high-spirited Douglas McGowan (right of centre) and his wife Jean on 29 September 1973 during a presentation by the PSPS Scottish Branch to Waverley purser John Brewster (left). Also in the picture: Lawrence Macduff (centre, next to Jean), Peter Reid (with pipe), Terry Sylvester and John Beveridge (far right). The event was part of a drive by the Scottish Branch to drum up support for the paddler’s preservation, at a time when her future was under threat
Saturday 24 May 1975: the dream had come true, as Waverley prepared to depart Anderston Quay, Glasgow, on her first public sailing in operational preservation — a sold-out cruise to Tarbert and Ardrishaig. Pictured on the starboard sponson are (left to right) purser Cameron Marshall, Douglas McGowan (in dark specs), Peter Reid and Terry Sylvester (with microphone)
In July 1977 Douglas led the fundraising campaign to repair Waverley and return her to service after the Gantocks disaster, when she went aground off Dunoon and was holed beneath the waterline. Click on image to enlarge
With former Waverley purser Fraser MacHaffie (left) and CRSC icon Ian McCrorie (right) during a cruise to Lochranza on 29 May 2016
On 27 May 2023 Douglas and Jean McGowan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Waverley at Tobermory
On the port bridge wing of Waverley with Captain Dominic McCall during last summer’s CRSC nominated excursion to Ardrishaig
Echoes of the 1970s: on the opening weekend of Waverley’s 2024 season Douglas McGowan (left) was reunited with two members of the ship’s crew from the early years of operational preservation — Cameron Marshall (centre) and Calum Bryce (right)
On the Spot — the complete collection: why not browse through previous respondents’ answers to Stuart Craig’s questions?
Published on 25 June 2024