Marchioness of Graham

The Marchioness of Graham was launched on March 6, 1936 from the Govan yard of the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Co. Ltd. She was 220 ft long and 30 ft in the beam with a draught of 10 ft and her two screws were driven by four steam turbines. She was designed for the Arran route from Ardrossan where the turbine predecessor, Atalanta, that she replaced, had a long career. She was indeed similar to Atalanta with a single tall funnel and had significant deck space that would allow her to carry motor vehicles.

Marchioness of Graham on trials with Fairfield flag on the main mast (Salmon)

Marchioness of Graham on trials (Robertson)

Marchioness of Graham on trials (Adamson)

This is a photographic salute to the Marchioness of Graham. Her history was largely uneventful and was mainly of the Arran service though she was also popular on excursions.

Marchioness of Graham in the Kyles of Bute (Spencer)

A group from the Clyde River Steamer Club on Marchioness of Graham in 1936

On the Arran station:

In Ardrossan Harbour

Marchioness of Graham at Ardrossan

Marchioness of Graham entering Ardrossan Harbour

Marchioness of Graham leaving Ardrossan

Marchioness of Graham at Brodick

She remained on the Clyde through the Second World War.

Leaving Lamlash in 1939 in wartime colours. Note the planks for loading vehicles.

On the return of peace, Marchioness of Graham returned to the Arran route until the the new car ferry Glen Sannox arrived in 1957. She was laid up at the end of the 1957 season, coal-fired to the end of her Clyde career. In early 1959, she left the Clyde, sold to Greek owners to became a private yacht.