Whereas the attraction of the CRSC's last big Arran outing in 2004 had been a Round Arran sailing on the Caledonian Isles, the regular service boat, this time it was the chance to make the Ardrossan-Brodick return crossing on a CalMac ferry rarely seen on the Clyde, and one that had never undertaken a scheduled sailing on that run before this year.
Club members have always taken a keen interest in CalMac’s choice of winter relief vessel on the Arran run, and the novelty of the Loti – after a run of winters in which the Clansman filled the slot – ensured a steady flow of enthusiasts to Ardrossan in the days preceding the nominated excursion, with many impatient to sample a whiff of change on the Clyde’s otherwise predictable point-to-point ferry crossings.

Charles McCrossan, David Robertson and Neil Guthrie		Grace Rogerson, Ruth Jamieson, Iain Jamieson and Douglas Rogerson		Stewart Sinclair, Iain Wilson and Gordon Evans

		The Club’s pennant flew from the foremast on the way across to Brodick.
Although the skies remained cloudy throughout the day, there was no rain. Those who braved the Loti’s top deck on the morning crossing to Brodick enjoyed reasonable views and a southerly breeze, which produced enough wave power to create a gentle rolling motion on the open sea.

	Deryk Docherty, Aidan McGhie and Ian McGhie		Alex Russell, Bob Lambie and Norrie Leitch		Billy Tomlinson, Andrew Anderson, Richard Orr, John McFarlane and Stuart Craig

At Brodick we were met by two buses for our journey to Blackwaterfoot. But first things first: ample time had been set aside for the ritual recording of the ship’s departure from Brodick pier. A large group of photographers positioned themselves strategically along the prom.

The bus journey followed the coastal route round the south of the island, with a short detour along the beach road at Kildonan. This caused a problem for one of the buses, which lacked the power to make the climb out of the village. About half the bus-load got out and walked 100 yards up the steepest part of the hill, lightening the bus sufficiently to let it continue. Although Ailsa Craig had been shrouded in gloom, the island of Sanda was clearly visible off the southern end of the Kintyre peninsula as we arrived at the Kinloch Hotel at Blackwaterfoot.

Lunch – a sit-down affair at long tables, which encouraged the making of new acquaintances – consisted of soup and sandwiches, and as much tea and coffee as anyone could want.

In a word of welcome to all present, Gordon Law, CRSC President, paid tribute to Neil Guthrie, the Club’s Cruising Coordinator, whose excellent organisational work proved crucial to the day’s success.

	CRSC President Gordon Law (left) gives a vote of thanks to Cruising Coordinator Neil Guthrie		Harold Mills (second from left) and friends at the Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot

			After lunch some went for a walk along the shore. Others repaired to the bar, but it seemed no time at all before we were all boarding the bus again for Brodick.
	Colin McNab, Ken and Elsie Hinshalwood, Yvonne and Rob McPhie, and Val McNab

The return journey by "The String” road was accompanied by commentary from the Stagecoach driver and sightings of deer on the hillside.

The shops in Brodick were well patronised in the hour before the Loti hove into view and prepared for a punctual 4.40pm departure.

John Newth and Douglas Rolland

Some members who had prior engagements in the morning joined us at Brodick for the sailing back to Ardrossan.

Gordon McNeil and James Gryn

There was a general air of satisfaction as everyone disembarked at Ardrossan and went their separate ways. It was a memorable day for all who took part – and a notable morale booster for the Clyde River Steamer Club.

A few more photographs from the day