Monday 28 July 2014

Flotilla of Boats on Clyde

As part of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, a large flotilla of boats sailed up the River Clyde on Saturday morning, from Customhouse Quay in Greenock right up to Pacific Quay in Glasgow. We managed to find a good vantage point near Port Glasgow so I could get some photos. Unfortunately, the weather started to break that day and, although still warm, it was very overcast so the lovely hills are only just visible.


What a great atmosphere there was right along the river, with everyone in celebration mode. One of the smaller Caledonian MacBrayne ferries led the way festoned with bunting and we could vaguely hear the commentary from onboard about the Clyde's history. This was followed by a couple of hundred boats of all shapes and sizes - I believe a few people even came over from other countries to take part.


It was wonderful to see the river so full of boats again and my husband remarked on how we don't make enough use of our waterways. The old paddle steamer, The Waverley, still offers occasional sails down the Clyde and across to some of the west coast islands during summer, but it would be good to have more regular sailings. In my childhood, our holidays began with a train ride to Wemyss Bay then the steamer across to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute - in common with half the people from this side of the river!

The Waverely
The last time we saw so many boats on the River Clyde was a couple of years ago when the magnificent Tall Ships called at Greenock. Sometimes, it's only on days like this that we really appreciate what's right on our doorstep.

Rosemary

7 comments:

Vikki said...

That looks great! Glad they put on a show like that and they should make more use of the Clyde!

Joan Fleming said...

Lovely pictures, Rosemary. Definitely the pride of the Clyde!

Teresa Ashby said...

Beautiful pictures, Rosemary - the water looks so calm and flat. It must have been a wonderful sight to see all those boats.
Your childhood holidays sound lovely x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

It was a lovely atmosphere, Vikki!

Thanks, Joan - it was indeed!

Thank you, Teresa - I have great memories from those days!

Joanna said...

These are beautiful pictures, Rosemary, and your childhood holidays sound idyllic. I would have loved travelling by train and steamer. xx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you, Joanna - it was quite idyllic and we couldn't wait for the freedom every year!

Jean Bull said...

Lovely photos, Rosemary, and a glimpse into how busy the Clyde must have been in its heyday.
The Waverley once used to sail between Weston-super-Mare and Cardiff. Never went on it though!