THE operators of the paddle steamer Waverley have announced details of the historic ship’s 2021 Clyde cruising timetable – with the first sailings of the year taking place this week.

The famous ship’s first full summer programme begins on Friday, June 24 and runs until August 22.

With Helensburgh pier still out of commission, as it has been since October 2018, the Waverley’s visits to the Helensburgh, on her first full Clyde summer season since before Covid, will once again take the form of regular calls at Kilcreggan pier, with the first of those on Saturday, June 26, to Dunoon, the Kyles of Bute and Tighnabruaich.

Unlike in previous years the Waverley won’t call at Kilcreggan on the same days each week, with visits scheduled for certain Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the course of the summer.

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To ensure physical distancing Waverley Excursions Ltd is recommending advance booking for all sailings and is asking that tickets are booked online where possible to help manage passenger numbers.

The company also says that depending on Covid restrictions over the course of the summer, it hopes to announce details of further Clyde cruises after August 22.

This year will be the Waverley's first full Clyde summer season since the start of the pandemic: the 2020 season was curtailed to a short spell at the end of August last year, and even that was cut short after the ship collided with the pier at Brodick in an incident which saw 24 passengers injured.

According to the company, £350,000 has been raised from supporters to help the Waverley cope with the financial impact of coronavirus.

For more details on the 2021 timetable, and to book tickets, see waverleyexcursions.co.uk.