THE Waverley Paddle Steamer is celebrating its 70th anniversary by sailing throughout the summer.

Locals and visitors can join a cruise to Ailsa Craig on July 31 and August 14, with close-up spectacular views of towering cliffs, rock formations and variety of seabird colonies.

Waverley is the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer and was named after Sir Walter Scott’s first novel. The vessel was built on the Clyde in 1946 and launched in 1947 to replace the original Waverley that sunk off Dunkirk during active war service in 1940.

On Tuesday August 1, 8, 15 and 22, sea-goers can visit the seaside at Brodick, Largs, Dunoon and Blairmore Or enjoy a spectacular day cruise steaming up Loch Long to view Carrick Castle.

On Wednesday August 9, 16 and 23, there is the chance to enjoy a day cruise up Loch Fyne with the choice of visiting Millport, Rothesay, Tighnabruaich and Tarbert with a return coach from Largs.

One of the passengers joining the celebrations is James Stevenson who was aboard Waverley’s maiden voyage 70 years ago and has sailed on her most, if not every year.

He presented a ‘message in a bottle’ to Waverley to mark the anniversary and said: “My association with Waverley started 70 years ago and which, thanks to the heroic efforts of countless numbers of people has been restored for future generations.”

Speaking of the lasting fondness for the boat, Captain Ross Cochrane said: “Waverley’s attraction lies in a mix of things - the heritage, history, social history, maritime history, engineering history and the scenery.

“But I think more than anything, it’s just a great day out.”

The Waverley is sailing throughout the UK during 2017 and there is something on board for all to enjoy