Dr James Stevenson

on Dec 1, 2023

I enjoy finding sources of the impact of the steamboats on the Clyde that others might overlook. One such is the “Salt-Water Gazette,” a literary and satirical publication that lasted a season in 1835. In one issue there is the tale of Mr. John Guy, porter at Helensburgh Quay, and his journey by steamboat to Glasgow. A contemporary view of Helensburgh Quay is shown above, courtesy of Helensburgh Library. After spending some time on deck, Mr Guy was beckoned “down into the little chamber, built by the proprietor, Doctor Stevenson, for the refreshment of pilgrims.” Here is the name of the steam-boat owner, and the implication is that he was widely known in his day by the traveling public. A little research reveals that Dr. James Stevenson was a Royal Navy surgeon and the 1841 Census has him living in Clyde Street, Helensburgh, aged 50 years with his wife Elizabeth 45 along with a maid...

Three turbine steamers

on Aug 18, 2022

Another day on Bute, this time featuring three turbine steamers photographed on colour transparency film. I don’t know whether this was 1951 or perhaps 1952, but the photographs feature the Clyde in the early post World War II days of British Railways and David MacBrayne steamers, before motor vessels began to displace them. The first picture is the turbine steamer, the Marchioness of Graham, one of the three turbine steamers photographed that day. She looks well as she approaches Rothesay, perhaps on an excursion from Ayr. Marchioness of Graham The sequence continues on the way from Rothesay, showing yachts anchored in Port Bannatyne Bay. A peaceful scene The destination, Rhubodach, in reached with a view of a yacht sailing down the Kyles in light winds. Sailing in the Kyles The Rhubodach-Colintravie ferry, is on the Bute shore loading a Meikle and M‘Kellar removal van and a car....

A few days on Bute

on Aug 9, 2022

It is not often that I find a collection of photographs that gives insight into a visit of two or three days to a single location where Clyde Steamers play an important part of the views. In this case, a small collection from a trip to Bute around 1951, mainly featuring Rothesay Pier, where the comings and goings of the daily traffic provide a fascinating picture of the Clyde a year or so before the advent of motor vessels. Saint Columba in Rothesay Bay on her way to Ardrishaig Gingerly approaching Rothesay Pier. This was originally captioned as leaving the pier by as Jim Galt has nicely pointed out it is taken from Albert Pier and he provided the reason for the slow approach Saint Columba at Rothesay Pier At Rhubodach where the bell has summoned the ferry and a motor yacht passes Saint Columba passing up the Kyles Back at Rothesay Pier, Jupiter disgorges her passengers More visitors...

Edgar Battersby’s trip to Rothesay

on Sep 25, 2019

I was recently contacted by a gentleman by the name of Rupert Battersby who has a large number of quarter-plate glass negatives taken by his great uncle, Edgar Battersby. Some of these were taken on a trip to Scotland in August 1913, and just over twenty feature views taken on the Clyde and Loch Lomond. This is an important and interesting collection and I have been given permission to reproduce the photographs of the Clyde on this site. I have to point out that these images are copyright and any further use requires permission of the owner. The Battersby family were hat manufacturers from Stockport in Lancashire. A history of the business has been documented in a book “Battersby Hats of Stockport — An Illustrated History” also by Rupert Battersby and published by Amberley in 2016. The factory in Stockport closed in 1966. Edgar Battersby was a young man on his visit to Scotland. He is...

Pointing Porters of Rothesay

on Aug 18, 2018

The licensing and regulation of carters and porters was a feature of many municipalities around the Clyde, and the Burgh of Rothesay was no exception. The porters on Rothesay Pier were particularly famous for their “pointing” during the late Victorian and Edwardian period. They had a brief resurrection after the first world war but seem to have disappeared sometime during the 1920s. “No person shall be permitted to ply for hire as a Porter until licensed by the Trustees and furnished with a badge which must be constantly conspicuously affixed to his breast and his name painted on his barrow and all porters must be sober, steady and civil to every person and they shall not go on board the steamboat until called by some one of the passengers whose directions shall be immediately obeyed without waiting any other hire. No separate charge shall be made for letters and parcels or goods which...

The Storm of November 26, 1912

on Nov 24, 2017

On the afternoon of November 26, 1912, a storm of hurricane proportions hit the West of Scotland, bringing more than half an inch of rain, and winds gusting in excess of 75 miles an hour. The storm was not the most violent on record but its peak coincided with the high tide causing more widespread damage. High tide at Glasgow reached over 25 feet, the highest value since 1882 so that the channel was 50 feet deep. Contractors cranes were blown over at the new Meadowside Granary. The steamships Architect and Clydeholm were damaged in the harbour and the Cervales was ashore. Further down the river, Bowling Harbour was submerged and the Renfrew and Yoker ferries were suspended. Helensburgh was isolated with roads and railway flooded, Ashton esplanade was damaged and the esplanade at Fairlie was washed away. Some of the worst damage was recorded on the Cowal shore. Dunoon Town Council...