Paddle Steamer Waverley in Oban Bay

Saturday 3rd May 2008 and the first of many regular visits to Oban by the Paddle Steamer Waverley.

Berthed at North Pier, Oban

The paddle steamer arrived in Oban on Friday night ready to start a tour taking in Mull, Skye and Fort William with visitors arriving from all points of the compass to take the opportunity to sail on her. I spoke to passenegers from Dorset and Bristol.

I also spoke to two couple from Canada who I managed to insult by asking which part of France they were from! We had a good laugh about it later - they find it fun to pretend they only speak French then feign insult .

Waverley in Oban Bay

The sight of this iconic reminder of a bygone era always attracts lots of attention from visitors and locals alike and today was no different. The couple I attempted to talk to from Tokyo handed me their camera and had me take their photo with the Waverley in background and then shot of in the opposite direction - apparently they weren't sailing on her, just wanted their photo taken!

Leaving Oban Bay with Dunollie castle in the background

The observant among you will notice from the stern waves that the ship is actually going in reverse! That's because I was too slow with the camera to get pictures when it arrived.

The Waverley is the last sea going paddle steamers in the world and is listed in the National Historic Ships Register. Details of cruises can be found at the official site but I think this site is so much better because it's written by an enthusiast rather than a corporate copywriter.