Ships and Ship building – Matthew McKinnon's Blog

Cruising on the Last Paddle Steamer: A Day to Remember

This month we had an amazing day out aboard the last of the world’s ocean going paddle steamers. We sailed from Largs on the Firth of Clyde to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, then on from there through the narrow strait known as ‘The Kyles of Bute”, to the beautiful village of Tighnabruaich before sailing on to Tarbert on the Mull of Kintyre. At each of these stops we dropped off passengers and picked up new ones. At Tarbert most passengers disembarked, but we stayed aboard with others to continue cruising down to Skipness Castle. This was a good decision as all afternoon we sat on board enjoying some beautiful views of the Kintyre coast and the Isle of Arran, before returning to pick up and drop off passengers at all our earlier ports of call. It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze, and there was a cafe and restaurant on board, open all day. We departed Largs at 11.30am and returned at 7pm. The last time I was aboard the Waverley was in the ‘eighties’ when with others we organised a charitable sail on behalf of Tearfund. So this trip was well overdue. Here are some photos:

Tighnabruaich is more than halfway to Tarbert, so it was time for a snack lunch on board as we set sail again and headed for Tarbert on Loch Fyne, passing around the southwest end of the Isle of Bute.

On the return journey we had a chance to investigate the ship and to read up on its history. So if you fancy a look in the engine room and at the paddles, here’s you chance. Sorry the pics are not so great of the engine and paddle. 😦

The sun was going down when at 7pm we arrived back in Largs at the end of a lovely day. We were very pleased and thankful that the day had worked out so well. So ‘hats off” to Waverley and their hard working team!

I confess however I was a bit reluctant to book on this cruise as I was thinking, it’s a very old ship, will it be noisy? will it vibrate? will it be ‘steady as you go’? But fears were completely unfounded, it was great!. It’s been interesting too, looking at a list of all the famous ships built on the Clyde that have sailed in my lifetime. Three out of only four shown below were built on the Clyde in my lifetime. The three ‘Queens’ with all their opulance and grandeur are no longer sailing our oceans, but the ‘Queen Mary’ is a hotel at Long Beach, California, and ‘Queen Elizabeth II’ does a similar job at Mina Rashid, in Dubai. The ‘Queen Elizabeth’ however, came to a sad end after catching fire and capsizing in Hong Kong harbour 1972. They all leave us with some fascinating memories.

I have a smile of amusement and irony as I look at the above photos and wonder if the Captain of the Waverley feels the same at times, as he plies his small beloved paddle steamship up and down the Clyde, and around the British Isles, whilst the famous ships of the past have come and gone. I’m not sure how many times the Waverley has been in dry dock, but it’s great to behold the steam engine still pounding away after almost 80 years, and seeing the ship’s well kept appearance!

I’ve also been reflecting, that during the same period from the late 1930’s to present, we have seen such amazing changes in every department of life, changes our parents could never have imagined. The fall of nations and empires, the collapse of engineering and shipbuilding on the Clyde …….. , and the rise of new technologies, in transport, computers, warfare ……. , in medicines, healthcare and surgery, and of course living standards ……. , these lists could go on and on and on.

Yea, there have been some great developments, but it occurs to me that it’s even more wonderful to think of the design and function of my own heart, which over a similar period will have pumped approximaely 3,300,000,000 (3.3 billion) times, and has its own self maintenance system built in, and all designed and formed by an amazing God. In Psalm 139 it says:

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!

In such a changing world it is easy to feel confused, left behind, as if you are losing it in the midst of so much change, and sometimes I wonder, perhaps like you, how to keep sharp and up to date. On the other hand perhaps we just feel overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of our daily news programmes. It’s important to stop and reflect on the Word of God, the Bible whose truth never changes but “liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23) and to know the one of whom it speaks, Jesus the Saviour of all who come to Him in repentance and faith, for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”Hebrews 13:8 Jesus, the true anchor for our souls!

David says, You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Ps. 32:7

At our Church at present we are doing a new series looking at the book of Proverbs, which is hugely interesting, and enlightening, just go to ‘You Tube’ and type in ‘greenview church glasgow’ and you can pick up the first of these talks.

Until next time DV, may God bless you wherever you are. Your comments are always welcome. Please consider subscribing!

Matthew

Reflections on Life After Our Tiree Holiday

It seems no time at all since the end of April, when we were on holiday in the beautiful island of Tiree off the west coast of Scotland. Soon we were out and about on our various trips to many of our favourite picnic haunts, in some glorious Spring weather.

Now looking back I reflect on all that has happened since, which has caused us to re-evaluate our new circumstances and to ponder on how quick life can change. Before I expand on that let me share some photographs of our adventures in Springtime.

Yes we had an amazing holiday in Tiree, the weather was cool but beautifully sunny almost every day. We enjoyed slowly driving around the island and walking on the white sandy beaches and taking in the breathtaking beauty which surrounded us. It was the lambing season and signs of new life were everywhere, in the flowers, birds and young lambs and calves. Here are some photos, first showing our journey by car from Glasgow to Oban.

We had a night’s bed and breakfast in Oban and next morning caught the early morning ferry to Tiree via the Isle of Coll.

A week’s stay in Tiree was as usual a week of peace and tranquility, and somehow we always manage to enjoy many sunny days. Yes it was April, with still a cold wind so you need to dress appropriately. Too many photos to show, but here are some of this years favourites.

The following weekend was the May Spring holiday here in Scotland, and we had been kindly given some vouchers for sailing on the ‘Sir Walter Scott Steamship’ on Loch Katrine in the Trossachs area, within the National Park. We awakened to a beautiful morning with cloudless blue sky, and soon made our way across the Duke’s Pass to Loch Katrine. I am sure you will never get a better day than that day. The weather was absolutely glorious, this is a day trip highly recommended..

**Loch Katrine taken from the new viewpoint just above the pier**

The following day was not so exciting as after our Tiree week and our sail on Loch Katrine, I had to catch up with all the mail that had accumulated during our absence, so it was the day of sitting at the computer. That night at around 3am I had a stroke and was hospitalised for nine nights.

Thankfully I am well on the way to recovery, and again, thankfully my speech and mind were not affected; mostly my left arm and leg which are now functioning well, so I am hopefull that I can make a full recovery.

However, some things that come your way in life, bring you up with start. I had often been told that I was very fit for my age, and after my holiday and trip to Loch Katrine I certainly was feeling very well. Then as I lay in bed in hospital I was reminding myself of the verse in the book of Proverbs that says ‘Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.’ Prov. 27:1. whew, how true! All these summer plans were now on hold.

I have had many encouragements from family and friends near and far, in the way of visits, text-messages, cards, flowers, food and fruit juice, and even someone arriving at our door to help in the garden. So if you are one of those who are reading this, let me say a huge THANK YOU!

As a Christian I am truly appreciative for the many prayers spoken from my local Church family, and indeed from so many others around the world to our God and Father on my behalf. I believe that the progress made to date is in many ways an answer to them. I’m also thankful for the many Bible thoughts and verses sent and spoken to me, they are such an encouragement. Here’s just one:- ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Rom.15:13

Yes, truly this is our sure hope in Jesus Christ and what he has promised to those who trust in Him, whether in life or death. I said to someone recently who had kindly wished me ‘all the best’ – thank you, but whatever happens, the best is yet to be‘- this is the Christian hope.

My stroke certainly got me thinking, and perhaps has got YOU thinking too? As I write news has just come in of 21 people involved in a balloon disaster in Brazil, first reports of 13 killed. The recent ‘AIR India’ disaster saw just one survivor out of 242 people on board. HOW SAD. It’s good to be ready don’t you think? Here’s a song that is special to me – have a listen

Matthew

PS: There has been much criticism of the NHS. Next time I would like to tell you of my experience.

An Irish Getaway: Cairncastle, a Travel Story

My wife and I had been talking about having a short end of summer break before the days shorten and the cold Autumn and Winter weather creeps in. The question though was, where should we go? The answer to that question came with an unexpected invitation from my wife’s cousin Helen, suggesting we come over the Irish Sea for a visit. It had been a long time since we last visited Ireland – the Emerald Isle. So after some thought we signaled yes” and soon the plans for the trip were in place. Would we be leaving a wet and dreich Scotland for the same weather in Northern Ireland we asked ourselves? I’ll let the photographs answer that question! Here is our story. Note – click on images to enlarge!

We left home in Glasgow, Scotland at 8.30am in busy traffic, but after clearing the city we made good progress and arrived at the port of Cairnryan in perfect time for the 12 noon sailing with P and O Ferries. The long-stay free car park was situated close to the terminal building and the check-in process was very easy and straightforward, as all that was required was our booking reference. We were also delighted to learn that the coach, which would take us onto the ferry was staying with us to Larne, so we should leave our luggage on the coach. Great news for Seniors 🙂

Met by our friends at Larne, we were soon at their beautiful ‘Arran View’ bed and breakfast’ at Cairncastle, (arranviewbedandbreakfast.co.uk) and relaxing with a cup of tea, ready for a long catch-up! After an evening meal the sun was still shining, so we enjoyed a guided tour of the local area. Photos below.

In the morning, after a very comfortable night’s sleep and a refreshing breakfast we were ready for one of the world’s great road journeys around the Antrim Coast, with its magnificent views of land and sea, and beautiful quaint villages! Robert (Helen’s husband) was our experienced driver and guide and we had two particular places in mind – Carrick-a-Rede and its spectacular rope bridge, and the famous ‘Giant’s Causeway’ with its large Museum and Visitors’ Centre, and its fascinating rock formations. (See earlier blog re visit to Fingals’ Cave for a similar phenomenon).

It’s good to be busy and its good at times to sit back and relax, so after the previous busy day, that’s just what we did next in the best of surroundings with family and their village friends in Cairncastle. On the Sunday we enjoyed attending Cairncastle Presbyterian Church for their morning service, and this was followed by our wedding anniversary celebration lunch at the beautiful Cairndhu Golf Club restaurant. Throughout the sun continued to shine, and the flowers were blooming in abundance!

Here are some other places of interest that we visited before it was time to head for home.

Oh, and of course, we did talk for a while of ‘Family Trees’ and I was pleased to come home with some photographs of Muriel’s family, complete with names and some more details of family history.

It’s amazing what you can pack into five days, and we were so pleased to have stepped aside from the business of life to see again the wonder of God’s amazing creation. Best of all to spend quality time out, to chat with family and to share life’s experiences and to meet new friends in Church and in the village. I was reminded of the importance of doing this by the words above the entrance to St Cedma’s Church (did you spot them in the photo above?) Teach us to number our days’, or as Psalm 90 v12 says ‘So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom’.

It’s always wise to stop now and then, and take stock of how we are spending our time and ordering our lives. Are there things we need to change, a better use of our time and talents, relationships that need healed or strengthened, and what preparations have we made for the future, our retirement or old age perhaps? However, the text above the entrance to the church most certainly had in mind preparation for our eternal future. People talk casually about heaven, but some years ago I remember a friend asking this question – what makes you think that God will let you into heaven? I thought it sounded a bit cheeky at the time, but on reflection it is a good question to ask ourselves. Here’s a hymn we sung at church on Sunday that I was unfamiliar with, but certainly gives the answer to the question that was asked. Have a listen, it’s evidently quite popular on ‘You-tube’ now by those interested in spiritual songs and music.

Trust this finds you well wherever you are, and I send best wishes and greetings from Scotland.

Matthew

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Do you remember when Glasgow and the river Clyde were a major hub for Shipbuilding and Engineering ?

We had arranged for an Autumn weekend visit to our family at Skelmorlie on the Clyde, only to dicover that it was set to co-incide with ‘Storm Babet’ as forecast by the weather experts! We left Glasgow in strong winds, and with a smirr of rain on the windscreen, and a wild cloudy sky. And so we headed for the coast!

Our plan was to visit in the morning the Scottish Maritime Museum at Irvine, a museum we had passed countless times, always with the thought ‘we must visit there sometime’! Despite a massive improvment in the weather, we stuck to our plan, and I’m glad we did. Although a ‘Maritime’ museum, it also covers machines and equipment used generally in the engineering sector, and this brought back many memories of my own career in engineering from the 1950’s to the 1980’s! Let me share some photos with you, first of a couple of vessels which were outside in the yard, an old steam puffer with an exhibition in its hold, and an ancient yacht powered by a steam engine.

The ‘Spartan’ Puffer built 1942 by J Hay and Sons, Kirkintillloch

Inside the spacious museum there is a plethora of information on many other types of vessels from small wooden row boats and yachts, to lifeboats, cargo vessels and navy ships. Here are some of the photos and information that I gleaned.

Along with the advancements in shipbuilding and other industries, came the advancement in general engineering. Soon there were machine tools for ‘everything’ or so it seemed. The museum houses many such machines which are a wonder to behold! Here are just some of them.

Our time unfortunately was limited, but we did manage a look at the variety of anchors on display before heading to the ‘Puffer Tea Room’ for a coffee and snack.

Far too much to share on this blog, but I would recommend a visit if you are in the area, and especially if you have an interest in shipbuilding / engineering and its history, and what made Scottish engineers and their ships and machinery famous throughout the world.

For me personally the visit brought back many memories of the Engineering Companies I’ve worked for, and the vast range of projects in which I have been involved at home and abroad. My engineering days were busy and fulfilling and accounted for more than fifty percent of my fifty years of working life.

Entrance fee for over 60’s was £7.00 and they also had snack facilities in the main museum, with the very nice Puffer Restaurant nearby. You are also just 1/2 mile from the beach where there is a free car park and toilets.

We missed the worst of the storm and in fact had two amazing sunsets during the weekend.

So since this blog has had a maritime flavour set against the background of ‘Storm Babet’, I thought I’d finish by asking a question raised by this old hymn, sung a cappella, which I really like.

It’s good to be safely anchored for life and death in Jesus, there are certainly many storms around these days!

Every blessing Matthew

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