The Waverley will sail to Ormidale, on Loch Riddon, on Sunday, July 8, as part of the Clyde River Steamer Club 80th anniversary celebrations.

The sailing, which is jointly organised with other shipping groups, will recreate a journey first undertaken by the CRSC in 1932, the year of its formation.

Loch Riddon, an arm of the Kyles of Bute, is ranked as one of the Clyde's most beautiful destinations.

But the pier at Ormidale closed to regular steamer calls in 1939 and the Waverley has not been there for 40 years.

The excursion is open to the public and, with the help of The Second Snark, built as a tender by William Denny of Dumbarton in 1938 and now owned by Clyde Marine Services Ltd, will include a special landing at Ormidale.

Neil Guthrie, the club's cruising co-ordinator, said: "We want as many people as possible to join us on this historic occasion."

"The chance to visit Loch Riddon may not come again for many years."

Nowadays the CRSC works to get people interested in CalMac ferries as much as the historic paddle steamers.

The Waverley charter will coincide with bicentenary celebrations marking the birth of steam navigation on the Clyde.

The paddle steamer is the last representative of a type of ship pioneered in 1812 by the Comet, the world's first mechanically powered ship to operate commercially in open waters.

The July 8 sailing leaves Greenock at 11.30am, Helensburgh at Noon, Largs at 1.30pm and Rothesay at 2.10pm.

Tickets can be bought on board or by phone from Waverley Excursions Ltd on 0845 130 4647.

For more information visit www.crsc.org.uk

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk