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. Perhaps the large crowd of foot passengers is heading to the Colintraive Hotel for lunch.

Loading at Rhubodach

The ferry has left on her crossing, and as she turns, her origins as a landing craft can be clearly identified. With the ramp down, the situation looks quite precarious. The dilapidated Colintraive Pier in the background was closed in 1946 after the end of World War II.

The Colintraive-Rhubodach Ferry

The reason for the visit must surely be to photograph the turbine steamers as they make their way past the point. The first to arrive is Queen Mary II, heading up to Tighnabruaich.

Queen Mary II heading to Tighnabruaich

The Saint Columba appears, returning from Ardrishaig.

Saint Columba speeding down the Kyles

The Saint Columba sweeps past Rhubodach.

Saint Columba passing Colintraive

Back to Rothesay where Saint Columba is coming into the pier. Duchess of Fife is at the pier waiting to return to Wemyss Bay.

Saint Columba approaching Rothesay Pier. Duchess of Fife is at the far berth

Saint Columba heads out of Rothesay Bay on her way to Greenock.

Saint Columba leaving Rothesay Bay