Waverley Lessons: Old and New

The week ended with a last trip on the Waverley Paddle Steamer for the 2008 season. A cruise from Greenock to Arrochar, Loch Long and Loch Goil took in the autumn colours, sunshine, showers and lots of experiences as usual.

There is a community on and off the Waverley- a love of the ship and the river that binds people together. Two of this community are the treasurer of the company that keeps this whole ship afloat and his wife who, along with a team of volunteers, keeps the on board shop stocked with Waverley hats which keep people warm and raise much needed funds.

In addition to this regular community, there are people who come for the first time, perhaps the couple pictured with the rainbow. You also meet old friends. I first met Alan and Jack his son in 2004 at an event called Imagine Inverclyde in Greenock town hall. I met them again yesterday. The Waverley does that, it brings people together. Its important to introduce the next generation to the Waverley experience, so well done Alan for bringing Jack.

In additon to people, the trip offers sea breezes, views of the hills and shores - contact with the environment and provides pleasure and relaxation in a way that more modern types of travel do not. Try it - mark it in your diary for next year as a MUST DO. If you want to stretch your legs , get off at Blairmore Pier and congratulate the local people who reopened the pier, run the shops near the pier and organise events in the local hall. A lively community working together to sustain and create the things they care about.

Its goodbye to the Waverley until next year but the wee sea bus which runs from Greenock to Kilgreggan and Helensburgh is another possibility. Lots of ways to enjoy the river and the different perspectives that it offers. The Waverley and Blairmore Pier are only there because of enthusiasts who love what they do and care about their communities. Lots and lots of hard work are involved too. They deserve your support. A fund raising concert is planned for the end of November in Glasgow for the Waverley.

A great way to end the week - on the Waverley with people like the Waverley volunteers and Alan and Jack- the salt of the earth and Scotland's future. Jointhetrip