Last Waverley trip of the season at Largs a 'joy to watch'

And our Camera Club members were out in force to capture the historic paddle steamer on her majestic final journey of 2023.

It has been a busy few weeks, with the Waverley providing a spectacular addition to the Thames and visiting a number of English resorts, but the world famous paddle steamer headed northwards for sailings at Largs and Greenock over the weekend.

She made her way up the Kilbrannan Sound cruising along the Kintyre Coast last Friday and encountered a spectacular rainbow.

And Gordon Hugh Lundie captured this magnificant shot of Largs in the background as the Waverley made her final sailing on Sunday.

A Waverley Excursions spokesperson said today: "We are thrilled to report a 55 per cent increase in passenger journeys from last year. The 2023 season has proven to be the most successful in over 20 years, with over 157,000 passenger journeys recorded.

"Across 124 days, Waverley cruised the waters of four countries. Passenger engagement was reached through 1,105 pieces of marketing activity, as the ship berthed at 60 ports and piers throughout the UK.

"A total of 10,431 portions of fish and chips were served in the Dining Saloon, while 512 canine companions were welcomed aboard.

"The 2024 season will have a similar outline to 2023. Waverley’s 2024 starts on Friday, May 17 - only 211 days to go!

"We would like to thank each and every one who helped make it the outstanding success it was. Passengers, supporters, donors, volunteers and our fantastic crew have all helped make 2023 one of the best in almost 50 years of preservation."

The crew took a moment to gather for a picture at Tighnabruaich on the final sailing of the season.