With the outrageous incidents on the Sunday steamers in the late 1870s, the Church Courts and others sensed they had the upper hand in public opinion and pressed the Lord Advocate to move on the issue in the new decade. The wheels of justice, however, move slowly.

“The Sunday steamer.—following memorial from the Sabbath Observance Committees of the United Presbyterian and Free Church Presbyteries of Glasgow has been sent to the Lord-Advocate about the sailing of pleasure steamers on the Sundays, licensed to sell intoxicating drink:—

“To the Right Honourable the Lord-Advocate for Scotland.—The respectful memorial of the Glasgow United Presbyterian and Free Church Presbyterial Committees on Sabbath Sanctification. Humbly sheweth,—That your memorialists believe that all men everywhere are required by Divine law to ‘remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy’—that observance of this Divine institution is inseparably connected with the moral, intellectual, and physical well-being of man, and that any violation of the Divine law must prove injurious to the interests of morality and religion. Your memorial lists deplore that pleasure steamers are allowed to ply for gain on the river Clyde on the Lord’s Day, and as these steamers are licenced to sell intoxicating drink, they are found to attract large numbers the dissolute class of the population, where they can without restraint gratify their appetite for strong drink, and consequently the scenes presented by these excursionists at the different coast towns where the steamer calls are disgraceful to any Christian community. Your memorialists believe that were the license to sell intoxicating drinks on Lord’s Day refused to these steamboat proprietors, the evil complained of would disappear. May it therefore please your Lordship to see to such measures being adopted as will remove a flagrant and growing evil both on the west and on the east coast of Scotland. And your memorialists will ever pray. In name and authority of the joint committees —(Signed) Robert Gault, F.C., Convener; Alexander Brunton, U.P., Church. Convener.”—Rothesay Chronicle, February 14, 1880

“Sunday steamers on the Clyde.—The Lord Advocate has replied to the joint memorial of the Glasgow United Presbyterian and Free Church Presbyterial Committees Sabbath Observance, anent the sailing of pleasure steamers on the Clyde on the Lord’s day with licensed to sell intoxicating drink, that the subject receiving his very careful consideration, and that he trusts during the present session remedy will be found for the evil of which the memorialists complain.”—Greenock Advertiser, April 26, 1880

The Clyde from Sailor’s Home (Valentine)

The above photograph shows the Broomielaw on a weekday morning in the summer of 1882 with the steamers Lough Foyle, Athole, Vivid, and Guinevere stretching back up-river. The Dunoon Castle can be seen on the right of the picture rather blurry, having come up river, canted and now reversing into the recess berth near the railway bridge recently vacated by Columba at 7:10 a.m. Messrs Valentine used this picture in postcard form well into the 1900s, a vivid reminder of what used to be.

The Sunday sailing season in 1880 began towards the end of April, a little later than usual and was met with mixed reactions.

“The Sunday steamer.—The steamer Dunoon Castle made her first run for the season yesterday. The weather being fine, a considerable number of people took advantage of the facility offered for trip down the river. Comparatively few landed at Gourock. After making the run to Rothesay she returned back in the evening.”—Greenock Telegraph, April 26, 1880

“The Sunday steamer.—This steamer has again invaded our shores and disturbed the quiet rest of the Sabbath—the Dunoon Castle having made her first run for the season last Sunday. Now, that the evil is thus again brought prominently before the community, we trust the Town Council will be moved even to more exertions to have the license withdrawn, as in that event, there would be little likelihood of our better feelings being offended by the running of such a steamer and the importation of such a class of passengers she usually carries.”—Rothesay Chronicle, May 1, 1880

“Largs—The Sunday steamer.—The steamer Dunoon Castle landed here a large number of passengers on the down trip. After she left the quay considerable excitement was caused by a large brown retriever dog, whose master was on board, springing from the quay into the water, and swimming after the steamer. The brute swam out about 300 yards, but then gave up, reaching the shore below the coast-guard station. It looked after the receding steamer several minutes.”—Greenock Advertiser, May 3, 1880

At the beginning of May, the new steamer Ivanhoe that sailed under teetotal principles was introduced, sailing on weekdays from Helensburgh and Greenock to Arran. Her story is told elsewhere but she was a direct result of the problems associated with drinking on board.

The various towns visited by the Sunday steamers, also began to take action. Hoteliers were asked to refuse supplying liquor to those who had arrived by the Sunday steamers and those who appeared to have had too much already.

“The Sunday steamer.— The Sunday steamer yesterday was well filled with passengers, over 100 landing here the down trip, many of them being visibly the worse of drink, and these gave the hotel keepers considerable annoyance, being like all other half drunk people under the impression that another dram would do them good. The other dram they did not however get, and by the time the steamer returned they went on board much more steady than they landed. A correspondent writing to us on the subject says that masters of steamers are at liberty refuse to allow a person the worse of drink to go board his steamer, and that being so, our correspondent thinks there ought to be a law giving the police authority to refuse tipsy people the right of landing from the steamer where they have got the whisky.”—Greenock Advertiser, May 10, 1880

Glasgow Herald, May 15, 1880

The Marquis of Lorne began her Sunday work in the middle of May. She continued to sail to Rothesay during the week and offer excursions on Saturdays.

“The Sunday Steamer.—The second Sunday steamer, the Marquis of Lorne, commenced her sailings yesterday, arriving half-an-hour before the Dunoon Castle. She ran to Rothesay and back. The weather being fine, she had a goodly number of passengers on board, but very few landed here.”—Greenock Advertiser, May 17, 1880

Captain Dewar landed in court again, this time sued by passengers who travelled on the opening Sunday sailing.

“Damages against the captain of a Sunday steamer.—At the Small-Debt Court yesterday two men named J. M‘Cormick and Robert Cairns, residing on the South Side, sued Captain Dewar, of the Sunday steamer Marquis of Lorne, for damages and expenses. On Sunday, 16th May, the pursuers along with their wives went to Rothesay in the Marquis of Lorne. They took return tickets, and before leaving the steamer at Rothesay enquired to the time of returning. The mate, to whom they first applied, could not give them a satisfactory answer, but eventually they were told by the captain that the hour sailing was a quarter-past four. The party returned to the quay about four, and found that the steamer had sailed shortly after three. The consequence was that they had to stay on the island till next morning. Sheriff Lees, who heard the case, awarded McCormick £1 damages with 3s 7d of expenses; and Cairns 15s, with 6s of expenses.”—Greenock Telegraph, June 8, 1880

Glasgow Herald, May 14, 1880

In May, the steamer Lough Foyle had been advertised for sale under a Sheriff’s warrant and in successive weeks the upset price was lowered until a sale was made. The buyer was Mr Henry Sharp and she was refurbished to sail on Sundays between Glasgow and Gourock.

Greenock Telegraph, May 19, 1880

The steamer Loch Goil had returned to the Clyde as Lough Foyle in 1877 (Alasdair Macfarlane, Evening Citizen)

Glasgow Herald, June 7, 1880

“The Sunday steamers.—Another Sunday steamer, the Lough Foyle, commenced to ply on the Clyde yesterday between Glasgow and Gourock, calling at intermediate ports. She will make two trips each Sunday, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. The weather was dull and cloudy, and she had not many passengers. There are now three steamers running on the Clyde on Sundays,”—Greenock Advertiser, June 21, 1880

In July, the Lough Foyle had some excitement accompanying the famed Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel in 1875, as he swam in the Clyde. Webb died just three years later at the age of 35 while trying to swim the rapids at Niagra Falls.

“Captain Webb.—The Greenockians and others, will have a splendid opportunity of witnessing the prowess of the famed Captain Webb to-morrow. Starting from the Floating Bath at noon, the aquatic hero takes long swim down the Firth, and those who desire to have a good view of the proceedings can obtain this for the moderate admission-charge of shilling. We notice that the Glasgow people are to have opportunity following the gallant captain in the Loch Foyle steamer, and if there is room, Greenock people may join here.”—Greenock Advertiser, July 18, 1880

“Captain Webb’s first swim in the Clyde.—Yesterday morning breaking out fair and sunny, a large company joined the steamers Lough Foyle, leaving Glasgow, and the Vanguard, which started from Rothesay, to convey passengers to witness the long swim of Captain Webb on the Clyde. The steamers met about noon at the Floating Baths, where Captain Webb (having been introduced to those present by Mr M‘Cunn, of Greenock, chairman of the Clyde Floating Baths Company) made a few remarks on the importance of swimming as a means of saving life, and on the desirability of having the art taught in our public schools. The steamer from Glasgow was late in reaching the rendezvous, and the start did not take place till 12.45 p.m. The captain, when all was ready, entered the water from the Floating Baths with a fine dive, amid the cheers of those in the boats. By this time the steamers Lough Foyle, Glasgow; Vanguard, Rothesay; Argyll, Wemyss Bay; Hotspur, Greenock; and Skylark, Greenock; besides a fleet of no fewer than 200 small boats of all descriptions were surrounding the swimmer. When the captain re-appeared on the surface he struck out direct for mid-channel, piloted by Captain MacKinnon in his steam launch Glenburne. After having swam about 20 minutes, Robert Wilson, champion of Scotland, entered the water, and accompanied him for upwards of a mile. When Wilson retired his place was taken in turns by W. L. Wishart, Greenock; John Gow, Glasgow; George Hamilton, Rothesay; John Macfarlane, Duncan Shaw, and Mr Kerr, Greenock. On nearing the Cloch, 2 hours and 47 minutes from the start, the committee on board the Glenburne thought a fair exhibition of the captain’s powers as a swimmer had been given, and requested him to leave the water, which with great reluctance he shortly afterwards consented to do. In answer to the calls of those on board the Glenburne, Captain Webb appeared on deck, and acknowledged the plaudits of those present for the reception they had accorded him.”—Glasgow Herald, July 21, 1880

There were other attractions too. The Tsar’s new yacht was nearing completion.

Glasgow Herald, July 10, 1880

Marquis of Lorne continued to sail during the week to Rothesay and during the Glasgow Fair, both Marquis of Lorne and Dunoon Castle steamers were sailing daily on the Rothesay station.

Marquis of Lorne with Carrick Castle and Vivid at the Broomielaw (Washington Wilson)

Glasgow Herald, July 23, 1880

“Sunday steamers.—The Sunday boats were well filled yesterday, but few passengers came ashore at Gourock”—Greenock Advertiser, August 2, 1880

Dunoon Castle off Gourock with the Lochgoilhead steamer Edinburgh Castle (Robertson)

On the evening of Saturday, August 7, when returning from an excursion to Lochranza, the Dunoon Castle had a serious accident off Gourock that entailed beaching the steamer to avoid sinking.

“Alarming occurrence at Gourock Pier.—Serious accident to the river steamer Dunoon Castle.—About half-past six o’clock on Saturday evening a very serious steamboat accident, happily unattended with loss of life, took place off Gourock Pier. At the time stated, the well-known river steamer Dunoon Castle was on the upward run from Loch Ranza and Rothesay to Glasgow, with between 600 and 700 passengers on board, including two excursion parties—namely, the children and teachers belonging to the Milton Sabbath School, Bowling, and the miners in the employ of Messrs Barron & Higgins, Clelland Colliery; and she was making for Gourock Quay when she struck the ground, about 150 yards distant from the north end of the pier, and knocked hole in her bottom. It was low water at the time. When it became known that a hole had been knocked in the steamer’s bottom, and that she was making water fast, the consternation and alarm among the passengers, especially the female portion, were very great. Captain Charles Brown, fortunately, was able to bring his steamer alongside the pier, but it had barely touched the quay when scores of passengers, to the imminent danger of their lives, and amidst the greatest excitement, jumped from the paddle-box of the steamer to the quay. Notwithstanding the efforts of the police and piermaster, nothing like order could be maintained, and for a time something approaching panic prevailed on board—men, women, and children rushing hither and thither looking for their friends. At last, during a lull in the excitement the piermaster (Mr Patterson), with the aid of some of bystanders, managed to throw four gangways alongside the steamer, by means of which the remainder of the passengers were able to get ashore without difficulty. By this time the hold of the steamer was almost full of water, and on account of the great leakage it was deemed advisable to run her aground inside the harbour, which was done. On examination it was discovered that she was badly damaged—a large hole being knocked in her bottom (probably through coming in contact with large stone) immediately underneath the starboard paddle-wheel, and close to the airpump. The steamers Loch Foyle and Windsor Castle called in at the quay about an hour afterwards, and by these most of the Dunoon Castle’s passengers left for home. While the Loch Foyle was leaving one of the passengers, in a state of intoxication, made a desperate attempt to jump overboard, but happily his efforts in that direction were frustrated, through three or four men holding him down. Not a few, owing to the fright they had received, preferred to go by tram-car to Greenock, and take the train from there to Glasgow. One of the women in the crowd declared that she would never venture on board steamer again. After the departure of the Loch Foyle and Windsor Castle, the quay resumed its wonted quiet, but the accident and the narrow escapes from injury which many of the passengers made while jumping ashore, were the subject of general conversation amongst all classes in Gourock.

“About ten o’clock the same evening, the steamer sank by her stern, and at high water nothing is visible of her but the hurricane deck and funnels. Mr H. Sharpe, the owner, was here all day yesterday, and we understand that efforts to lift her will be began at once. This will cost between £200 and £300, as the work will be one of some difficulty. After being temporarily repaired here, she will be taken to Glasgow for an overhaul. The steamer is not insured.”—Greenock Telegraph, August 9, 1880

“Serious accident to a river steamer.—Beaching of the Dunoon Castle at Gourock.—On Saturday afternoon an accident of a very alarming character occurred to the river passenger steamer Dunoon Castle near Kempoch Point, near Gourock, which necessitated the steamer being promptly beached to prevent her foundering in deep water. The Dunoon Castle was on the return trip from Rothesay, and had on board a large complement of passengers, estimated at something like 750, including several excursion parties. On approaching Kempoch Point, a little to the west of Gourock Pier, the tide being very low at the time, and the steamer being steered too close to the shore, she suddenly struck heavily upon a sunken rock or group of boulders known as Crab Island, which has on more than one occasion proved disastrous to river boats and is well known to river steam-boat masters. The bottom of the steamer having grated over the rock, considerable damage was done to the hull, and she at once commenced to fill with water. The steamer was promptly got alongside Gourock Pier, and the passengers, who were by this time greatly alarmed and excited, succeeded in getting ashore in safety. To prevent the steamer sinking it was found necessary to run her on the beach, where she now lies. Fortunately the weather was fine and the sea smooth, otherwise the damaged steamer, working in the sea, might have filled faster, and gone down before the quay was reached. As it was, there is every reason for congratulation that the damage is confined to the steamer. The passengers were during the evening forwarded by the steamers Lough Foyle and Carrick Castle. Last summer, during the Glasgow Fair holidays, a similar accident befel other two river steamers at this point, which were at the time crowded with passengers, but they were both able to reach Greenock in safety, the damage done being comparatively trifling, although one of them had to be beached in Mid Harbour. Greenock, to prevent her sinking. The Dunoon Castle, which belongs to Mr Harry Sharp, is one of the steamers which ply to Rothesay on Sundays. Yesterday her place was supplied by the Lough Foyle.”—Glasgow Herald, August 9, 1880

The steamer was quickly refloated and repaired in less than a week.

“The accident to the Dunoon Castle.—Vessel successfully floated.—The means employed for lifting the Dunoon Castle were last night crowned with success. The steamer left Gourock at an early hour this morning for Glasgow, for the purpose of being thoroughly overhauled. The steamer arrived at Greenock about seven o’clock this morning, and was moored at the West Quay to discharge pumping apparatus, &c., after which she proceeded to Glasgow. It is expected that she will be ready for her usual run by next week.”—Greenock Advertiser, August 11, 1880

“The steamer Dunoon Castle.—The river steamer Dunoon Castle, after repairs, went down the river this forenoon, with large number of excursionists on board.”—Greenock Telegraph, August 14, 1880

However, there was more than damage done to the steamer. Some of the passengers who transferred to the Lough Foyle got into an affray with the excursion party from the Dalmarnock Paper Mills already aboard that steamer. The result was fueled by drinking and the authorities had added urgency to pursue a prohibition to limit such incidents.

“Disgraceful scene on board a river steamer.—On Saturday evening an occurrence of a very disgraceful and savage character took place on board the river steamer Lough Foyle while she lay at Prince’s Pier, Greenock, the result being that many persons were severely injured, while the lives of others were placed in the greatest jeopardy. The steamer had been down the Firth on a pleasure trip with the Dalmarnock Paper Work employees, and on her return she called at Gourock and took on board a number of the passengers from the disabled steamer Dunoon Castle. On her arrival at Prince’s Pier, Greenock, a dispute culminated between two members of the party, when from words blows were struck, and this, as it were, proved the signal for a free fight taking place all over the after part of the steamer, at one time it being estimated that no fewer than from 40 to 50 men and women were belabouring each other with their fists, umbrellas, and sticks, while bonnets and hair were being torn from the women’s heads. On board the steamer at the time there would be something like 450 or 500 men, women, and children. The alarm created among the more peaceably-disposed part of the excursionists was very great, and a general stampede was made to the stair leading to the hurricane-deck, in order, if possible, to reach the gangway and get ashore. The panic, however, only led to greater confusion, and in the maddened condition of many of the brutal men not a few, innocent persons received severe injuries. By this time the screams of the helpless women and children, and the shouts and curses of the men and women engaged in the fight, had attracted a considerable crowd on the quay, and the police were urged to go on board and interfere, but the officials considered that they were insufficient to overpower such a number of infuriated people, and they did not attempt to quell the fight. Meanwhile the passengers were crowding upon the bridge and paddle-box of the steamer, making frantic endeavours to get ashore, but in this they were retarded by the officials on board, who intercepted them at the gangways till they gave up their tickets. Of course the women in their excitement, and originally intending to proceed to Glasgow in the steamer, could not find their tickets, and as the steamer began to lurch heavily from side to side, and those standing nearest the gangway were in danger of being pushed overboard from the pressure from behind, the gangways were ordered to be withdrawn and the ropes thrown off. During this time the free fight had extended over the quarter-deck, and several of the combatants were lying bleeding on the deck, or were being forcibly restrained by women and children, who were screaming and crying in the wildest possible manner. On the order being given to withdraw the gangway, the excitement among those wanting ashore increased, and at this stage the scene which was witnessed baffles description. Many of the bystanders on the quay now began to interfere, and the berthing master (Captain Richmond) and one or two of the river pilots insisted on the master of the Lough Foyle re-mooring his steamer in order to allow those who wished to get ashore. The steamer, however, had to be backed from the east to the west end of the pier ere she could be again made fast, but immediately this was done fully two hundred women and children rushed ashore as if the steamer had been a plague ship. Many of them had their clothing and head-gear considerably damaged, and a number of them complained of personal injuries through being so severely squeezed in their endeavours to get ashore. Besides, a number had not any money to pay their railway fare to Glasgow, whereupon several of the bystanders gave them money, while Mr Rennie, of the Glasgow and South-Western Railway, under the circumstances, dealt liberally with not a few of the unfortunate people. When the Lough Foyle left for Glasgow the disturbance was only partially quelled.”—Glasgow Herald, August 9, 1880

A flurry of letters to the editors follows,not least one of some indignation from the Committee of Employees of the Dalmarnock Paper Works.

“The disgraceful scene at Gourock Pier.—The following letter, bearing on the disgraceful scene Prince’s Pier Saturday night, appears in this morning’s Glasgow Herald:—Sir,—In looking over the columns of the Herald this morning, we were surprised see a long account of an alleged disgraceful scene on board river steamer occupied by party of excursionists from Dalmarnock Paper Works. The Dalmarnock excursionists left Rothesay on Saturday evening, and all went smoothly on board until the steamer arrived at Gourock pier, where large number excursionists, whose steamer (the Dunoon Castle) had broken down, were collected the quay, and immediately on the gangways being thrown out, endeavoured to crowd on board the steamer occupied by the Dalmarnock employés. The addition of such a large number of people was resented by those board the Lough Foyle, and they were successful in getting the gangway removed, but not till four of the parties on the quay had succeeded in getting on board. The four strangers, who were a good deal the worse of liquor, immediately commenced to insult some of the passengers, which led the disgraceful scene described so graphically by your reporter at Prince’s Pier. The scene which lasted till the boat left Prince’s Pier was bad enough, but it did not approach anything like the panic which your reporter has described, and at no time were 40 or 50 men and women engaged in a free fight. But for the strangers on board the steamer there would have been no disturbance, and it says very little for those in charge of the boat who allowed the disgraceful scene to take place all. The committee repudiate any charge of disturbance brought against the employés of Dalmarnock, the true cause of the fight having originated amongst the strangers who got on board the steamer at Gourock. We trust that you will give this explanation all publicity, and remove the idea from your readers that the excursionists from Dalmarnock had anything do with the affray.—We are, &c. The Committee. Dalmarnock Paper Mills, Glasgow, 9th August 1880.”—Greenock Advertiser, August 10, 1880

Marquis of Lorne on the Sunday following was involved in a dispute with passengers.

“The Sunday steamer nuisance.—More scenes at Gourock Quay.—A repetition, on a smaller scale, of the excitement which took place on Saturday when the river steamer Dunoon Castle took the ground off the pier, occurred yesterday afternoon on the arrival of the Sunday steamer the Marquis of Lorne. It appears that the steamer had been ashore for an hour somewhere near Dumbarton, and arrived at Gourock about an hour and half behind her usual time. After the vessel had been partially made fast to the quay, the passengers made to come ashore, but there seemed to be some dispute between the passengers and the captain as to the fare, and the passengers were prevented from landing until the dispute was settled. Whatever were the grounds of complaint, the passengers expressed not little dissatisfaction at the treatment they had received, and for a time the excited bustle attracted the attention of every one in the vicinity. Many of the passengers began to jump ashore to the danger of their selves. After not a little rough language had passed, matters seemed to be squared up so far, and the steamer shortly afterwards resumed her journey. In the hurry to get away the gangway was not withdrawn from the steamer, and but for the exertions of some on shore, it would have been knocked into the water. It is lamentable to think that such a scene should occur during the quiet of a Sabbath afternoon; and the sooner steps are taken to withdraw licences for the sale of spirituous liquors on board Sunday steamers the better.”—Greenock Telegraph, August 9, 1880

“Another disgraceful scene on a Sunday steamer.—The stirring and disgraceful scene on board a steamer at Princes Pier, Greenock, on Saturday evening was followed by another just about as bad at Gourock on Sunday afternoon. The Sunday steamer Marquis of Lorne in coming down the river ran ashore on the bank near Dumbarton. After getting off she touched at Greenock, previous to which the fares had been collected, and then proceeded to Gourock, arriving there about an hour and a half later than the usual time. The steamer having been brought alongside the quay, and partially moored, a gangway was run on board to let passengers land. A dispute then took place between the passengers and the captain as to the fares. High words arose, and the attempts made to get ashore caused a great deal of excitement amongst the female portion of the passengers, and the whole scene for a time was most disgraceful. The steamer in leaving went off suddenly, and the gangway was nearly thrown into the water. Indeed the steamer started before the ropes were cast off, and this caused her to lurch over considerably. While the dispute was going on several passengers jumped ashore, and might have been drowned. The whole scene was one of the most disgraceful ever witnessed at Gourock quay.”—Glasgow Herald, August 10, 1880

In the meantime, some progress had been made in submitting a Bill to Parliament to curb the sales of liquor on the steamers on Sunday.

“The liquor traffic on Sunday steamers.—I am glad to state that there is a prospect of the question of the liquor traffic on Sunday steamers in Scotland being dealt with this session. If I am rightly informed, the Lord Advocate is now drafting a bill on the subject, and as such a measure is not likely to meet with any opposition, it is hoped that, notwithstanding the pressure of other business, time will be found to pass it through both Houses before Parliament rises.—London correspondent of the Scotsman. (The scene that occurred Quay yesterday afternoon is strong evidence of the urgent need of the step the Lord Advocate sis aid to be about to take.)”—Greenock Telegraph, August 9, 1880

Glasgow Herald, September 11, 1880

Glasgow Herald, September 11, 1880

“Sunday steamers.—Yesterday was the last trip of these steamers for season. There were large numbers of people on board. Those who came ashore Gourock were well behaved.”—Greenock Advertiser, October 18, 1880

The new year did not begin well for Duncan Dewar and the Marquis of Lorne. Before the season began, he had a judgement against him for running down the yacht Kelpie.

“Mr. Sheriff Spens has awarded £100 of damages to Capt. Walter Sinclair of Dunoon, for the running down of his yacht the Kelpie, in June last, by Captain Dewar of the steamer Marquis of Lorne. In a note accompanying his award the Sheriff says that the accident “occurred through the carelessness of those in charge of the Marquis of Lorne in ignoring the well-known rule at sea that where two ships, one a sailing vessel and the other a steamer, are proceeding in such directions as to involve the risk of collision, the steamship shall keep out of the way of the sailing vessel.”—Glasgow Evening Citizen, March 18, 1881

Glasgow Herald, April 3, 1881

“The Clyde Sunday steamer.—On Sunday, the steamer Lough Foyle began plying for the season. The weather was fine, and a goodly number passengers took advantage the facility afforded them of enjoying tail the Firth.”—Paisley Gazette, April 23, 1881

“Sunday Steamers.—The Dunoon Castle and Lough Foyle landed a very large number of passengers here yesterday. With one or two exceptions, the conduct of the visitors was orderly.”—Greenock Telegraph, May 30, 1881

It was not long before there were recurrences of the trouble that plagued the steamers the previous year.

“Glasgow Sunday excursionist in trouble in Gourock.—Justice Grieve on liquor trafficking on board Sunday steamers.—At Justice of Peace Court held yesterday in the Old Sheriff Court, Bank Street, a young man, named Alexander M‘Murchie, mason, residing at No. 3 Cavendish Street, Glasgow, was charged with having on Sunday last committed a breach of the peace in Shore Street and Church Street, Gourock, by challenging parties to fight and causing a crowd to assemble; and also with having maliciously destroyed a window in the cell in which was lodged. By the Court: Are you guilty of this charge?—l plead guilty your honour, to the breach of the peace, but I don’t know anything about the window at all. It is my first offence. The Fiscal (Mr William Auld) accepted the plea, and explained that accused was one of the excursionists who came in the Dunoon Castle, the Sunday steamer, on Sunday. About 300 people landed at Gourock, and at one time there was the appearance of a riot taking place. This man was very violent, and, when cautioned by the police would not be quiet, and had to be taken up while the people were going to the church. As this was the beginning of the excursionist season he asked that something should done to prevent a recurrence of this sort thing. Justice Grieve said it was a disgrace to any community that people should get drunk the Lord’s day, and that there should be inducements for people to go on board steamers and commit excesses. Accused explained that he only intended going down the river the length of Renfrew, and went down below with a friend to have a bottle of beer. When he came up he could not get ashore at that place, and had to go right on to Gourock. He had no money pay his passage back, and he was looking for his companions who had left him in Gourock. Asked by the Court, he said had had only drunk three bottles of beer. Justice Grieve (continuing) add it was the duty of the Court to mark accused’s conduct, and endeavour to check this. (Accused: I hope you will be lenient.) The sentence of the Court is that you pay a fine of 10s, or ten days’ imprisonment. Justice Grieve added that it was a disgrace to think that accused could not go out to have a little fresh air without getting drunk and committing abuses. He thought it was a disgrace that boats should have the licence to give drink on Sundays; and those temperance people who were trying to put down drink, should direct their attention to this matter as well as to the selling of it on shore.”—Greenock Telegraph, May 31, 1881

The Marquis of Lorne began to sail on Sundays in June.

North British Daily Mail, June 3, 1881

“Sunday steamers.—Three Sunday steamers—the Dunoon Castle, Loch Foyle, and Marquis of Lorne—called the quay yesterday, and landed between them about 300 passengers. The conduct of the visitors was orderly.”—Greenock Telegraph, June 13, 1881

“Gourock quay on a Sunday.—It is no news to Gourock people that the almost proverbial dulness of the little town during the week is generally amply atoned for by the bustle and something more at the quays on the Sabbath day during summer. Common as the circumstance is, it would almost seem as if the current season were to outdo those gone by. It was no matter for consideration on the part of some visitors yesterday that the communion was being dispensed in the Presbyterian Churches. They had started for an outing, and they were determined to have it no matter whether the comfort of others was affected or not. The visitors began to arrive as early as 6 a.m.—because on this occasion it was not all the fault of the Sunday steamers —and the unseemly conduct of many of them continued without intermission until well on in the afternoon. The County police have a difficult duty to perform in trying to maintain order, and if they do not always succeed in maintaining strict quietness it is through no lack of desire on their part, but on account of the care of many of the intruders keep within the law while making themselves generally obnoxious.”—Greenock Telegraph, June 20, 1881

“Alarming occurrence at Gourock quay.—Yesterday afternoon, about 5 o’clock, an accident of a somewhat alarming character took place at Gourock Quay. At the time stated the last Sunday steamer from Rothesay was due, and there would be about 600 people on the pier. A number were seated on a gangway which was close to the edge of the harbour. In the crush on the pier one of the crowd lost his hat, which fell into the water. This caused some little commotion amongst the people, and those sitting on the inner side of the rail jumped off to watch the struggles of the owner of the hat in attempting to regain his property. The unexpected, though quite natural, result of this movement was that the equilibrium of the gangway was upset, and a party of four young men, who remained on the outer side were precipitated into the harbour by the upsetting of the gangway. The accident caused great excitement for a short while, which was not allayed until it was known that the occurrence had no serious result. Fortunately the tide was in, and the depth of water was sufficient to keep the parties from touching the ground as they fell. Had circumstances been otherwise, the parties might have sustained serious injuries by falling head downwards on the stones of the slip. One by one the immersed persons were safely taken out. The gangway was somewhat damaged.”—Greenock Telegraph, June 20, 1881

In July there was wet weather at the beginning of the month.

Glasgow Herald, July 2, 1881

Glasgow Herald, July 2, 1881

“Sunday steamers.—The Sunday steamers yesterday, owing to the wet weather, were not as well filled as usual, and the excursion must have been anything but enjoyable.”—Greenock Advertiser, July 4 1881

“A number of the visitors who wanted to remain in Gourock till to-day, finding that they could not procure lodgings, camped for the night in the vicinity of the Tower Hill. Yesterday torrents of rain fell, and no sooner did the Sunday steamers arrive than those who had been without lodgings wisely returned to Glasgow. The steamers were crowded.”—Greenock Telegraph, July 18, 1881

Sunday steamer aground.— The Dunoon Castle, the Sunday steamer, on the passage between Glasgow, Greenock, and Rothesay, took the bank near Port-Glasgow at a quarter to seven o’clock last night on her way up the river. She was steered beyond the buoys marking the channel a considerable distance and went on the ground firmly. There was large number of passengers board, but no excitement was shown. A telegram was sent ashore communicating the stranding of the vessel to the owner, Mr Henry Sharp, and when the Lough Foyle had discharged her passengers from Largs she was despatched to the assistance of the Dunoon Castle. Nothing could, however, be done for the stranded steamer, as she could not be approached so far was she on the bank. A rope was attached to her from the Lough Foyle, and an attempt made to drag her off, but the tow snapped. It was seen that she would have to depend on her own engine power when the tide rose. As the depth of water increased continued efforts were made to float the steamer, and about midnight she was got off. She proceeded on her way without further mishap, and landed her passengers at the Bridge wharf at twenty-five minutes to two o’clock this morning. Despite the wearisome delay the passengers preserved a cheerful mood, and behaved in an orderly manner.”—Greenock Advertiser, August 1, 1881

Captain Dewar found himself court again, this time charged with recklessness in an incident when Marquis of Lorne collided with Hero. The exchange is amusing.

“Captain of Marquis of Lorne fined today.—At the Police Court this morning, before Bailie Walker, Duncan Dewar, master of the river steamer Marquis of Lorne, was placed before the bar charged with reckless navigation. The charge set forth that the offence took place on the 15th ult., when the Marquis of Lorne came into collision with the Hero at the Steamboat Quay, damaging the paddle-box of the latter, and putting the passengers of both into a state of alarm. The Magistrate asked if the accused pled guilty to this charge.

“The Accused—Yes, l am guilty but I wish to make an explanation.

“After the charge had been signed, the accused explained that the occasion in question, the engines stopped and refused to back, and as it was about half-flood tide, the tide took the vessel’s bow, and turning her round carried her into the Hero.

“Mr Thomas Smith, purser on board the Hero, was called by the Fiscal. In answer to questions he stated that when he saw the Marquis coming right in for the quay, he told the captain to “look out as there was going to be a smash.”

“The Fiscal—ls it your idea that it was bad steering?

“Witness—Well, she should not have been so far in.

“The Fiscal—Too close, you think?

“Witness —Yes, I cannot say that her engines were going at the time.

“Mr M‘Lelland, the harbour master, in reply to the Fiscal, said he thought the accident occurred on account of bad steering and the state of the tide.

“The Fiscal—Was it bad steering or bad management?

“Witness—l am not able to answer. The bows came round with the tide, if she had answered her helm there would have been no collision.

“The Fiscal—Was it bad management or bad steering?

“Witness—Certainly it was. The Magistrate imposed a fine of three guineas, with the alternative of ten days’ imprisonment. The accused, he remarked, would have to stop his vessel in time, and not go too fast.

“The Accused—lt was the engines though.

“The Magistrate—But if you had stopped in time you would have avoided the collision. The accused was then removed.”—Greenock Advertiser, August 2, 1881

August was not an auspicious month for the Sunday breakers. Both the Marquis of Lorne and the Dunoon Castle had serious accidents. In the latter case Dunoon Castle lost her master.

“The captain of the Dunoon Castle drowned this morning.— On the arrival at Greenock of the river steamers from Glasgow to-day, it was announced that Mr Donald M‘Lauchlan, captain of the Dunoon Castle, had been drowned about six o’clock this morning at the Steamboat Wharf, Glasgow. The Dunoon Castle had been lying at the quay, and it appears that Captain M‘Lauchlan had been in the act of passing along a line to a neighbouring vessel, when he missed his footing, and fell over the side of the steamer into the river. He had passed the line before he fell, so that those who witnessed the accident were unable to render him any assistance till he had disappeared. By the time life buoys and boat hooks were brought to the spot, the unfortunate man had been drowned. M‘Lauchlin was about 45 years of age, and had been engaged for the most of his life upon the Clyde river steamers. As captain of the Dunoon Castle, he was well known for his ability and courtesy, and was held in high respect both in Glasgow and Greenock. He resided at Garelochhead, to which district he belonged. He leaves a widow and family.”—Greenock Advertiser, August 1, 1881

“Serious damage to the steamer Marquis of Lorne.—The river steamer Marquis of Lorne in the course of last night met with a serious accident, which will prevent her, it is believed, from being sailed for some time. She was being berthed at the recess pier of the Steamboat Wharf, Glasgow, when she struck heavily against the wharf, and our Information is to the effect that she is split from bow to mainmast.”—Greenock Telegraph, August 8, 1881

All three steamers were back in business by the middle of the month.

“A Sunday steamer short of coals.— One of the trio of Sunday steamers after putting m Gourock yesterday was found to be short of coal, and the rather unseemly operation of carrying coals from a smack lying in the harbour to be resorted to.”—Greenock Advertiser, August 15, 1881

“Sunday steamers. —The Sunday steamers were well patronised yesterday, and a good number of people came ashore here.”—Greenock Advertiser, September 12, 1881

North British Daily Mail, October 6, 1881

At the end of the season, the Marquis of Lorne was laid up and sold. It had been a hard year for Duncan Dewar and this was his last foray in the Sunday trade.

“Steamer Marquis of Lorne.—This fine commodious vessel having been purchased by Captain Hill, owner et the two regular goods-carrying coast steamers Bute and Success, will today be Placed on the Largs and Millport route, leaving Glasgow at ten minutes from nine o’clock morning, calling at the different wharves on the river, both piers at Greenock, then proceeding to Dunoon, Largs, Millport and Kilchattan Bay She will leave there at a quarter to three o’clock, and return by the same route. The Marquis of Lorne has been thoroughly renovated, and in the hands of Captain Hill, whose long-continued punctuality in the sailing of the Bute has been something remarkable, cannot fail to earn a large amount of public patronage.”—North British Daily Mail, April 10, 1882

The Glasgow & South Western Railway Co., was about to open its new Fairlie Pier and had arranged with Messrs Hill & Co., to run a service from the railway pier to Millport on Cumbrae and Kilchattan Bay on Bute. When the Marquis of Lorne reappeared for Messrs Hill & Co., she had been reconditioned. She was also given a new name, Cumbrae.

Cumbrae with the Edinburgh Castle at Prince’s Pier (Valentine)

The 1882 season opened as usual for the remaining two Sunday steamers. However, there must have been some gloom on the horizon as legislation had been presented to Parliament to allow licensing authorities to restrict the sale of alcohol on board the steamers on Sundays. There was little opposition to the new Act and it was expected to pass in the current Parliament.

“The Sunday steamer.—On Sunday the steamer Dunoon Castle resumed sailing for the season. She had considerable number of passengers.”—Rothesay Chronicle, April 22, 1882

Greenock Telegraph, June 15, 1882

Glasgow Herald, July 8, 1882

The photograph was taken a few minutes after the photograph at the beginning of the article and shows Dunoon Castle almost in her berth with Guinevere ahead of her loading for Lamlash in Arran, Vivid loading for Kilmun and Athole for Rothesay. Lough Foyle is at the bottom right of the photograph, perhaps loading for Garelochhead. (Valentine)

Glasgow Herald, July 19, 1882

“Excursionists from Glasgow.—Saturday was observed in Glasgow by the public works as a general holiday, and in consequence Gourock was very busy. Early in the day large numbers arrived both by boat and car, and several Sunday School excursions also arrived in the place. The traffic on the boats was immense. Some of the steamers leaving Gourock were literally packed. The behaviour of the crowds was on the whole good. The Sunday boat was well filled yesterday, and the fact that no drink can be had in these boats in future on Sundays is not likely to cause a great decrease in the number of passengers. As a matter of course the places visited by the Sunday steamers will have the hotels better patronised, and we question if the amount of Sunday drinking will be much less than formerly.”—Greenock Advertiser, August 28, 1882

The official notification of the change in the law regarding selling liquor on the Sunday steamers was delivered at the end of August.

“The Sunday steamers.—The owner of these steamers has received official notice from the Board of Inland Revenue that his certificates for the sale spirituous liquors on board the vessels must be returned to the department within seven days, so that the permission hitherto given for the sale of liquors on Sunday may be cancelled, in accordance with the Act of Parliament just passed”—Greenock Advertiser, September 2, 1882

Glasgow Herald, September 16, 1882

The sale of the Dunoon Castle was quickly arranged to Messrs Hill & Co., and they had the vessel reboilered and refurbished. When she reappeared, she had been restored to a single funnel and given a new name, Arran.

“Purchase of a Sunday steamer.—Captain James Hill, of Rothesay, and owner of the goods steamer Bute, has, we understand, purchased the steamer Dunoon Castle. Nothing is stated as to the station on which Capt. Hill intends to place the steamer, but it is certain she will no longer be employed as a Sunday steamer.”—Greenock Telegraph, February 28, 1883

Messrs Hill & Co., Arran, here off Arrochar on an excursion (Adamson)

North British Daily Mail, May 9, 1883

By the end of the season, Messrs Hill were sailing both Cumbrae and Arran.

North British Daily Mail, August 22, 1883

In the meantime, the one remaining Sunday steamer, Lough Foyle, continued to provide a service. Although alcohol was not available on the vessel, travelers could refresh themselves at their destination as bona fides. The crowds were for the most part well behaved.

“Gourock.—The Sunday steamer.—Yesterday afternoon over 100 passengers were landed at the Quay by the Sunday steamer Loch Foyle. The conduct the visitors was very orderly.”—Greenock Telegraph, May 7, 1883

Glasgow Herald, May 24, 1883

Glasgow Herald, June 27, 1883

Glasgow Herald, June 27, 1883

At the end of June there was a new addition to the steamers on the Clyde. The Kingstown was a Sunday-breaker in the early 1870s and had gone to the Mersey for the Tranmere Ferry Co. The Ferry company had failed and the Kingstown was placed on the market.

Shipping and Mercantile Gazette, June 21, 1882

Kingstown was purchased by Messrs Logan and Macfarlane who brought her to the Clyde and modernized her with the intention of placing her on the Arrochar route. One might well foresee that Kingstown would not compete well with the Chancellor, built as a saloon steamer in 1880 and catering to the popular Loch Lomond tour.

Chancellor at Arrochar (Valentine)

Although Kingstown was a saloon steamer, she was slow and her one advantage was that she could undercut at 1/6d for the second cabin, the expensive fare on the tourist steamer which was 3/-. There was no intention or attempt to run the steamer on Sundays.

“Direct route to Arrochar.—The already well-appointed service between Helensburgh, Greenock, and Loch Long is about to receive another addition in the saloon steamer Kingstown, which offers important facilities to the travelling public by starting direct from Glasgow at a very suitable hour, and proceeding up Loch Long to Arrochar, calling, of course, at the usual stations on the way. With this steamer parties can start direct from the Broomielaw without having occasion to go by rail either to Helensburgh or Greenock, and view the beautiful scenery of Loch Long, unsurpassed on any of the Clyde route. The Kingstown, it may be mentioned, was for years engaged in the ferry service between Liverpool and Birkenhead, and was lately purchased by several gentlemen in Glasgow. Since then she has been completely overhauled from truck to keel. New boilers, which of course means more power have been put in, new saloon accommodation for both first-class and steerage passengers, dining and smoking rooms, have been added; and the vessel transformed into such a tidy little craft that even her original builders (Messrs Thos. Wingate & Sons) would scarcely recognise her. As an indication of the additional accommodation provided for passengers, it may be mentioned that the space above the fore and aft saloons put at their disposal for a promenade is 120 feet. The vessel, which starts on her regular run on Monday, will be commanded by Capt. Ronald M‘Taggart, and the creature comforts are in the well-known hands of Mr Ancell, Glassford Steer Glasgow. Yesterday the Kingstown left the harbour on a short trip with several gentlemen more immediately interested in her welfare on board, and after dinner complimentary toasts were submitted and duly acknowledged. The extensive engineering repairs were done by Messrs Robert Rankine & Co., and Messrs Hood & M‘Donald completed the ship joinery and carpentry work.”—North British Daily Mail, June 29, 1883

Kingstown as she appeared in 1884

Glasgow Herald, June 27, 1883

There were some initial teething troubles and the Arrochar station did not prove viable so that in July Kingston was sailing to Rothesay.

North British Daily Mail, July 3, 1883

Glasgow Herald, July 27, 1883

The Sunday steamer, Lough Foyle, offered a number of public sailings and excursions during July, and was on the Garelochhead station during the Grasgow Fair.

Glasgow Herald, July 7, 1883

Glasgow Herald, July 13, 1883

“Greenock—The morning of Saturday broke clear and bright over the Firth of Clyde, and everything betokened a fine day for the pleasure seekers. Trains were constantly during the morning arriving from Glasgow with people for the coast, and the already fairly filled steamers had all a goodly complement of passengers when they left Princes Pier. The Columba was especially well patronised. The weather remained fine till midday, but shortly after that heavy showers fell, and the evening was dull, with drizzling rain. Yesterday was again very fine, and the Sunday steamer running between Glasgow and Greenock was well patronised.”—Glasgow Herald, July 16, 1883

Glasgow Herald, July 27, 1883

“Breakdown of the Sunday steamer Loch Foyle.—Yesterday, the steamer Loch Foyle, plying between Glasgow and Gourock, broke down on reaching Partick Wharf on her first run down the river, and had to disembark her passengers at Partick. The bursting of a tube is said have caused the accident. She remained at Partick until the necessary repairs were effected, and then proceeded to Glasgow to take up her evening run. On this trip she carried a very large number of passengers, the most of whom had tickets for Gourock.”—Greenock Telegraph, August 6, 1883

 

Glasgow Herald, August 22, 1883

“Having been asked the question, I reply that the Balmoral, formerly the Lady Brisbane, is the oldest of the river fleet of pleasure steamers. The Lough Foyle, at one time the Lochgoil, and the smallest of the two-funnelled steamers, the Kingstown, are the next in the order of age. The whole three of them have by frequent repairs been again and again rendered almost new.”—Glasgow Evening Post, August 14, 1883

The Kingstown, in addition to private parties, offered public excursions to a variety of destinations. The irony of the former Sunday-breaker touting for business from Sunday school trips brings a smile.

Glasgow Herald, August 10, 1883

Glasgow Herald, August 10, 1883

In the middle of August there were special sailings to the 1st Lanark Rifle Volunteer Camp at Blairmore.

Glasgow Herald, August 17, 1883

Glasgow Herald, August 17, 1883

Glasgow Herald, August 31, 1883

Kingstown was laid up in the Gareloch in September and invoked the wrath of the pier-master at Clynder. Her days on the Clyde were over, however, and in 1884, she was to be found in the Isle of Man, providing short cruised out of Ramsey.

“River steamer dispute.—A case of considerable interest to those engaged in the river traffic came up yesterday before Sheriff Lees in the Glasgow Small-Debt Court. The piermaster at Clynder sued the owner of the river steamer Kingstown for £10 damages, for having in September last allowed his vessel to be moored in such a position as to obstruct the traffic at the pier. The Sheriff decided in the pursuer’s favour, remarking that the right of any shipowner to put his vessel at or near a pier was entirely subordinate to the rights of the piermaster and the public. He assessed the damages at £2, and granted £2 6s 2d of expenses.”—Greenock Telegraph, February 20, 1884

Kingstown at Ramsey in the Isle of Man in August 1884. The photograph shows her stern and her double-ended configuration.

The Lough Foyle sailed on Sundays again in 1884.

“Unfortunate accident on a river steamer.—The river steamer Lough Foyle, while proceeding from the Customhouse Quay to Helensburgh on Saturday afternoon with a number of passengers ran aground at the Tail of the Bank; and although the assistance of a tug steamer was got, the Lough Foyle could not be got off for two hours, when she floated with the rising tide. While she lay aground, her passengers were taken off by a tug steamer and landed at Greenock.”—Greenock Telegraph, June 23, 1884.

Glasgow Herald, July 17, 1884

“The holiday resorts.—On Saturday Greenock was well patronised by Glasgow excursionists. From an early hour in the morning the boats from Glasgow received a large complement of passengers by rail, and large crowds paraded the quays watching the steamers. In the evening the town was unusually busy, and the steamers passing were heavily laden. Gourock was well filled yesterday, and on Saturday the place was very busy. Boat-hiring was a lucrative speculation. No accident occurred to mar the pleasure. The Sunday steamer brought a large accession to the already large population, and it was observed by all that the travellers were a very respectable lot of people.”—Glasgow Evening Post, July 21, 1884

“Accident on board the Sunday steamer.—The unfortunate man named Denniston Stewart who had his leg broken above the ankle by falling against the crank shaft of the steamer Loch Foyle on Sunday afternoon while on the passage from Glasgow to Greenock has had to submit to the limb being amputated below the knee. Mr Stewart was chief engineer of the Clyde Shipping Company’s steamer Wicklow, and resides at 16 Wellington Street, Greenock.”—Glasgow Herald, September 30, 1884

“Accident on board a river steamer.—About 11 a.m. yesterday a man named Dennis Stewart, an engineer, residing at 16 Wellington Street, Greenock, received severe injuries through falling against the crank shaft of the engine in the steamer Lough Foyle. The accident occurred when the steamer was nearly opposite Bowling on the downward run, and he was carried on to Greenock Infirmary, where it was ascertained that his right leg was broken above the ankle.”—Glasgow Herald, September 29, 1884

Glasgow Herald, October 10, 1884

The season ended in October and in April of the following year, the Lough Foyle was sold to Messrs Macbrayne who overhauled the vessel and shortened her to fit the locks on the Caledonian Canal. She was provided with a saloon aft, and renamed Lochness and reappeared as a paragon of mid-Victorian values, a long way from her Sunday breaker days.

Lochness at Fort Augustus

It was over a decade before Sunday sailing came into the news again and while many of the same issues and difficulties surface, the outcome was quite different. An account of this episode can be found in article on Sunday Steamers at Dunoon.

As a sad postscript, Duncan Dewar died shortly before 6 in the morning April 6, 1884. He had been confined to his home from Saturday after a fall on the previous Wednesday and had developed erisypelas, bacterial infection. He was 48. In his will he left £3963 9s 11d as well as heritable property ofconsiderablevalue