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 from Jupiter
Moving rowing boats in the outer harbour. Victory is the cruise boat in the background
Caledonia has arrived, taken from a rowing boat
A car reversing over the planks onto Caledonia
Passengers embarking on Caledonia
The last few passengers going aboard. Talisman further along the pier
Talisman leaving with Duchess of Hamilton arriving in Rothesay Bay
Duchess of Fife arrives
Caledonia leaving
Caledonia gathering pace
Duchess of Fife alone at the pier
An afternoon sail up the Kyles to Tighnabruaich on Queen Mary II
Saint Columba at Tighnabruaich on her way back from Ardrishaig
Queen Mary II at Tighnabruaich with Victory from Rothesay at the steps
Queen May II at Tighnabruaich
August 9, 2022
A splendid collection, as always, and worthy of much close attention. But in the sixth and seventh photos alike, the steamer must be Jupiter.
August 9, 2022
Of course! I will change that.
August 9, 2022
Excellent photos!
The third photo labelled “Slowly leaving Rothesay Pier” is actually taken from the Albert Pier and shows the Saint Columba gingerly approaching berth number three and must have been taken a few minutes before the one of her berthed at the pier also taken from the Albert Pier.
There was a little beach behind the Albert Pier which was called the “Danger Beach”, if steamers approached berth three too enthusiastically they would set up a suction which pulled the water away from the beach momentarily and the resultant tsunami like backwash could catch paddling children unaware. There was a large notice – a bit faded by the late 1960s – above the beach to warn of the effect! I remember seeing it on several occasions. Perhaps the skipper of Saint Columba was mindful of this and was approaching with caution – or perhaps more likely he didn’t have much confidence in her reversing power!
August 9, 2022
Thanks for that little nugget Jim. I’ll modify the caption and point to your comment. Cheers, Graham
August 10, 2022
I’m getting on a bit now and know that the chances of me sailing “Doon the water” are getting slimmer each year. Thanks to your wonderful website I can at least reminisce. The attention to detail in all your posts has been great. I have been to many places on the Clyde over the years and had a few boats over the years. I settled in Inverness-shire cruising from Bowling Basin through the Crinan Canal and the Caledonian Canal.
Happy Days indeed.
Thank you again !
Andy Findlay.
August 10, 2022
Andrew: Thanks for the kind comment. I’m so glad you get some enjoyment from the site. Graham