In the latest of our ‘On the Spot’ series, Stuart Craig has enticed Cameron Shaw to step up to the mark and answer the set questions. Cameron joined CRSC as a junior member just four years ago and is now a regular face at our Jurys Inn meetings. He seemed happy to be put ‘On the Spot’.
Cameron Shaw at Tighnabruaich
What is your earliest memory of sailing on a Clyde steamer?
Not quite a steamer, but my earliest memory would be going from Rothesay to Wemyss Bay on one of the ‘streakers’ and seeing Pioneer sail by us very elegantly!
What was the last sailing you took?
Ardrossan to Campbeltown on 24 September — the final sailing on that route this year.
Holidays: Dunoon, Rothesay or Arran?
My love for Arran has grown over the past few years so I have to say Arran.
What is your favourite steamer?
Without any doubt Isle of Arran.
Which was Waverley’s best livery — LNER, CSP or CalMac?
CalMac. I think she suited it well.
Visit to the bridge
What was your favourite ‘Maid’ (if old enough) or ‘streaker’ if young enough?
Jupiter: I have a lot of fond memories of being aboard her.
Jeanie Deans or Waverley?
It has to be Waverley, as I never got a chance to see the ‘Jeanie’.
A new turbine has been built on the Clyde: what would you name her?
King George V or Jeanie Deans.
What would you like to see happen on the Clyde ferry scene over the next few years?
I’d love to see Isle of Arran still about for a few more years; also the re-introduction of the Gourock-Dunoon car ferries. I’d also like to see Waverley and Queen Mary sailing doon the watter together, both of them making big money.
The best point-to-point route you’ve sailed on?
Gourock to Rothesay. I just thought there was something special about this, and on a nice day it was a fantastic sailing.
Sailing doon the watter together?
Which pier would you like to see re-open?
Millport!
What inspired you to join CRSC?
I wanted to be kept up to date with the latest steamer news, and I wanted to meet the people that, like me, love these ships.
If CRSC had loads of money in the bank, what would you spend it on?
Big advertising, charters of Waverley and various CalMac vessels, and rebuilding an old Clyde steamer.
What makes you continue your membership of the Club year on year?
I feel that the Club is great and keeps improving year on year. I especially enjoy the publications we get.
What could the Club do better to attract younger members?
Advertise it more, and more Club outings.
Cameron Shaw was interviewed in October 2017.
Favourite ‘streaker’: Jupiter (with Saturn)
Cameron remembers seeing Pioneer sail past ‘very elegantly’. Copyright Jim McIntosh
‘I wanted to meet the people who, like me, love these ships’: Cameron (right, nearest camera) joined a group of 80 CRSC members and friends on an excursion to Arran in January 2017, with lunch at Auchrannie Resort. Copyright CRSC
Favourite ‘steamer’: Isle of Arran arriving at Ardrossan. Copyright Cameron Shaw