In this newsletter, addressed to all CRSC members, Club President Gavin Stewart provides an update on Club activities.
Welcome to the Summer Newsletter!
Summer has arrived at last, and with it (hopefully!) some fine weather and plenty of opportunities to get afloat.
CRSC President Gavin Stewart
As I write, PS Waverley is back on the Clyde for her summer season. Her 2026 season began with the traditional opening weekend on the Clyde before heading to Oban for her annual Western Isles visit. Unfortunately, a poor weather forecast resulted in the positioning voyage from Glasgow to Oban being cancelled, the ship having to make her way to Oban the night before without passengers. Disappointing for those booked to travel – myself included – but safety must always come first!
Despite occasional weather interruptions, Waverley has enjoyed encouraging passenger numbers so far this season. I wish the ship and crew every success for the season and look forward to sailing aboard whenever I can, including our club nominated excursion later this summer.
Meanwhile, things appear a little calmer in the world of CalMac. MV Isle of Islay has settled into her routine reasonably well, despite the usual teething troubles of a new vessel. Her arrival has also provided a valuable spare vessel, with MV Isle of Arran available to cover maintenance and unexpected breakdowns.
MV Glen Sannox is currently based in Stornoway to support MV Loch Seaforth if required, while MV Caledonian Isles and MV Alfred continue to serve Arran.
For regular ferry updates, don’t forget to visit the Members’ Area of the club website and read John Newth’s excellent Scottish Ferry Scene reports.
Cruise Update
MV Isle of Cumbrae, currently the oldest ship in the CalMac fleet. Built in Troon in 1977, she approaches her 50th birthday, although how much longer she will remain in service remains uncertain.
The club recently organised a nominated excursion on Tuesday 7 July, giving members what may prove to be one of the last opportunities to sail together aboard this veteran vessel. (Report available here.)
Our second club outing of the season will be a nominated excursion aboard PS Waverley on Sunday 16 August. The cruise will sail from Glasgow, Greenock, Rothesay and Largs, passing Garroch Head and through the beautiful Kyles of Bute.
Thanks once again to Waverley Excursions, members will be offered reduced fares and a meal package. Full details will follow shortly, and I hope to see you on board!
Suggestions for future group outings are always welcome by email to info@crsc.org.uk or can be made on our Facebook page.
Club Communications
A request from our Membership Secretary Stuart Craig.
As well as being published on the club website and via email, copies of this newsletter are also being posted out to members for whom we do not have an email address. It is becoming increasingly important nowadays that we should all have an electronic address of some sort.
Can I appeal to those who are not on email to try to supply me with an email address if possible – for example, a relative or friend – as this will ensure that all are kept fully informed of club activities.
Thank you!
Winter Meetings 2026/27
Those of you who attended the Annual General Meeting, whether in person or by Zoom, will have heard the Treasurer’s remarks about looking to cut the cost of our meeting place. Being in a hotel, the monthly room rental has increased markedly in the past year, and this has driven the Committee’s efforts to find somewhere more economical, given the relatively small numbers by comparison with the past who come to the meetings.
I am pleased to report that we have secured an excellent arrangement allowing us to return to Leonardo’s Hotel (formerly Jurys Inn) in Jamaica Street, Glasgow. This will be our meeting place for the 2026/27 season.
This venue is conveniently located close to Glasgow Central Station. Further details and a location map will be provided with the Autumn mailing.
Final Thoughts
Please continue to visit the club website regularly for articles, updates and news, and if you haven’t already done so, be sure to try the new website index, which makes navigating the growing collection of content much easier.
And finally, while the committee helps steer our course, it is you – our members – who keep the Clyde River Steamer Club thriving.
See you over the summer!
Warm regards,
Gavin Stewart
President, Clyde River Steamer Club
Published on 9 July 2026