After almost a decade in a partnership with Captain William Buchanan when they owned the Eagle steamer on the Rothesay route from Glasgow, Captain Alexander Williamson purchased the Sultan steamer in 1862 and set up on his own account. The Sultan had been built the previous year by Messrs Barclay Curle & Co. for Alexander M‘Kellar’s Holy Loch service and had a good reputation for speed and being an easy boat to handle at piers. Captain Williamson sailed her on the Rothesay station, calling at Hunter’s Quay and Greenock to make a connection with the Caledonian Railway. In her first season, Sultan left Rothesay at 7:40 a.m. to meet the 9:15 a.m. up train for Glasgow at Greenock, and then proceeded to the Broomielaw from where she departed on her return to Rothesay at 2:00 p.m. with a rail connection at Greenock leaving Glasgow at 3:00 p.m. Overnight her base was at Kamesburgh or Port Bannatyne, a more sheltered and less busy spot than Rothesay that she left at 6:00 a.m. each morning. In the height of the season, the Sultan’s run was extended to Tignabruaich and her overnight berth at Ormidale. The following year Sultan left Rothesay ten minutes later to catch the 9:30 a.m. up-train that was now express to Glasgow, and this set the pattern for a very successful if unostentatious service.

Glasgow Herald May 12, 1862

During the 1862 season, Captain Buchanan continued to sail the Eagle also on the Rothesay station leaving Rothesay at 8:45 a.m. to connect with the 10:30 train at Greenock, and returning from the Broomielaw at 2:50 p.m. with a connection to the 4:00 p.m. express. In October 1862, the Eagle was sold to run the blockade for the Confederates.

Eagle

The following year, a new steamer entered the Rothesay trade. When the Greenock Advertiser of May 2 1863 announced that the Confederates had bought the Kilmun steamer, Mail, and McKellar’s Largs steamer, Jupiter, for £7,000 and £6,000 respectively. The sale of another of McKellar’s steamers was also recorded. The Vesta, dating from 1853 when she was built for the Largs and Millport traffic by Messrs J. Barr of Renfrew was a small flush-deck steamer with her single funnel placed aft of her paddle boxes. She was sold to Messrs Henderson and others of Glasgow who intended to use her on the Rothesay station where the number of first-class steamers had been greatly depleted over the previous winter.

Glasgow Herald, July 30, 1863

That spring, Captain Duncan Stewart also added a new steamer, Victory.  Launched from the yard of Messrs Barclay, Curle & Co. at the end of April, and provided  with steeple engine by Messrs J. Barr, she was a useful and efficient addition to the fleet, running with their older vessel, Alma. The following March it was rumoured that Vesta was about to cross the Atlantic and that the Captain Stewart’s new Victory and Captain M‘Lean’s veteran Vulcan would follow shortly but all three remained on the Rothesay route.

M’Lean’s Vulcan

Glasgow Herald, May 6, 1864

Captain Buchanan had a replacement for his Eagle built by Messrs Charles Connell & Co., but it was sold off the stocks to the Confederates and he eventually reentered the steamboat trade with the construction of his new Eagle in 1864. Also built by Messrs Charles Connell & Co., she was almost 190 feet long by 20½ feet broad. Her powerful engines were supplied by Messrs W. King & Co., and she was an impressive model with two funnels forward of the paddle boxes and a raised quarterdeck to provide greater light and ventilation in her main saloon aft.

“Launch of the Eagle.—This beautiful paddle steamer, built for our river passenger traffic, was yesterday launched from the west shipbuilding yard of Messrs Chas. Connell & Co., Overnewton. She is owned by Captain Buchanan, who intends running her on the Rothesay station, after receiving her engines, which are being fitted by Messrs D. & W. Henderson, of the Steamship Works.”—Greenock Telegraph April 26 1864

Eagle of 1864 at the Broomielaw with Sultan (Annan)

“New steamer.—This morning, the new steamer Eagle, Captain Buchanan, came down the river and took a sweep around Gourock Bay, and was sailing very fast. She afterwards proceeded to the Gareloch to run the measured mile.”—Greenock Telegraph, May 28, 1864

The Eagle sailed on the Rothesay service and entered into a loose arrangement with owners of the Hero and Victory whereby three trips in each direction were facilitated, leaving Rothesay at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and returning from the Broomielaw at 6:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. with a connection to the 4:45 p.m. train from Glasgow at Greenock quay. The Hero was owned by Mr Alexander Watson.

Glasgow Herald, June 23, 1864

Mr. Alexander Watson had been a boot and shoemaker in Glasgow when he took a share in the purchase of the steamer Petrel in 1858, along with Henry Sharp, a spirit merchant from the Trongate, and John Brand, proprietor of the Oddfellows dance hall and music saloon in the Saltmarket. The new owners sailed the Petrel on Sundays and Mr. Watson was a prominent target in the anti-Sabbatarian sentiment of the time. In 1859, Cardiff Castle was purchased and also was put on Sunday sailing. With profits guaranteed from Sunday, and an enthusiastic following among a certain segment of the population, both Petrel and Cardiff Castle offered cheap excursions during the week. Around 1860, Mr. Watson entered an agreement with a Captain Brown and a Mr M‘Fall and Petrel was sent on charter to sail from Belfast to the Irish resort of Bangor.

Belfast Morning News May 4, 1860

Belfast Morning News May 32, 1860

On her new station, Petrel encountered her old consort, Pilot, at Belfast, running for the rival, Mr Robert Henderson. Henderson was a the agent for Messrs Burns, and member of the Belfast Harbour Board that voted a huge increase in harbour dues days before the Petrel was placed on station. The tonnage of the Pilot had been re-calculated, much lower than the previous year and so harbour dues for Petrel were much higher than those of the Pilot, placing a serious disadvantage on the newly chartered steamer. A further complication came at Bangor where the Pilot had attempted to obtain exclusive use but the pier-master had refused until a more satisfactory vessel was provided. Accordingly, the pier-master issued exclusive landing rights to the Petrel and the ensuing “Battle of the Boats” resulted in unsavoury clashes throughout the summer. The following year, Petrel resumed her old station, sailing to Largs on Sundays in consort with the Cardiff Castle which sailed to Rothesay and the nearly new Hero was purchased from her builders, Messrs Wingate, in 1861 by Watson and Brown for the Belfast to Bangor service.

Belfast Morning News, October 9, 1861

The issues of the previous years were not repeated but Pilot was run off the Lough. Interestingly, both Petrel and Hero returned to the Clyde at the height of the season when the trade demanded. After 1862, the trade was in the hands of Messrs J. & R. Brown, who had new tonnage named Heroine ordered for the station from Messrs Wingate.

Northern Whig June 14, 1862

In 1861, Mr Watson had put the Rothesay Castle on the river. Built by Messrs William Simons & Co. Ltd, of Renfrew, she was a flier and was very successful in the Glasgow and Rothesay station until she was sold to the Confederates in 1863 to run the blockade. The demand for river steamers to run the blockade of the Southern Ports for the Confederates in the early 1860s led to a great deal of speculative building. When the demand for new blockade-runners subsided, a number of these hulls became available for finishing as a river steamer.

Rothesay Castle of 1861

To replace the Rothesay Castle, Mr. Watson purchased one such sturdily built vessel of 486 tons from Messrs Kirkpatrick, M‘Intyre, & Co. The hull was provided with an engine of 125 hp by Messrs Rankin & Blackmore of the Eagle Foundry. With two boilers and two funnels, she was likely similar to the Rothesay Castle, and was named Arran Castle by Mr Watson’s daughter. Originally announced as intended for the Glasgow to Arran station, she spent most of her service sailing to Rothesay initially with the veteran Captain William Barr of the old “Castle Steamers” in command. However, her regular master was Captain Robert Young.

“Launch.—To-day Messrs Kirkpatrick, M‘Intyre, & Co., launched from their yard at Newark, a very smart looking paddle steamer, named Arran Castle, 229 feet in length, 21 feet beam and 8 feet deep. She is to be fitted with a pair of diagonal oscillating engines of 130 horse-power, by Messrs Rankin & Blackmore, engineers, Greenock, and when finished will be put on the station between Glasgow and Arran, proceeding via the Kyles of Bute.”—Greenock Telegraph, July 20, 1864

On August 24 Arran Castle went to Gareloch to adjust compasses.

“Steamer Arran Castle.—This splendid steamer was put on her station between Glasgow and Arran to-day, going round the Island of Bute; and although she was crowded with passengers, was as steady as any steamer on the river. With the exception of the steamer Iona, the Arran Castle is the finest looking steamer on the Clyde; and it is much regretted that she was not ready earlier in the season, as the want of such steamers was much felt.”—Greenock Telegraph, August 27, 1864

Glasgow Herald September 16, 1864

Glasgow Herald September 16, 1864

In addition to the steamers of Messrs Hutcheson sailing to Ardrishaig; Iona in season and Pioneer over the remainder of the year, other steamers on the Rothesay route in 1864 were the veteran Alma, dating from 1853, and the newer Victory, both owned by Mr Duncan Stewart. The Vesta, owned by Messrs Henderson and the Vulcan, another veteran dating from 1853 was owned by Alexander M‘Lean were also on the route. The two new steamers, Arran Castle and Eagle suffered teething troubles, and the former in particular was slow.

“Fast Steaming.—On Monday forenoon the steamer Iona left the steamboat quay at Greenock for Glasgow shortly after the new and fast steamer Arran Castle, and when both were passed above Port Glasgow by the steamer Eagle on her way downwards, the Iona was some distance ahead of her opponent.”—Glasgow Evening Post September 24, 1864

Glasgow Herald, March 7, 1865

In March 1865, Arran Castle suffered a mechanical break down and she was given a complete overhaul, reappearing with a much improved performance.

“Steamer Arran Castle.—This steamer on the upward passage from Rothesay this morning, when near the Bay of Quick, was brought to a standstill by the engines breaking down. The tug-steamer Flying Dutchman was at the Tail of the Bank at the time, and the master, seeing a flag hoisted on board the Arran Castle for assistance, ran alongside took the passengers on board his steamer, and landed them here in time for the train.”—Greenock Telegraph, March 17, 1865.

The opening of the Wemyss Bay Railway in 1865 and the introduction of steamer service in connection with the trains provided a note of uncertainty for the owners of the vessels that sailed to Rothesay, Largs, Millport and Arran. Indeed the McKellar fleet that had dominated the Millport and Arran trade to the last three destinations had received no new investment since the railway had been announced.

Glasgow Herald, May 6, 1865

Glasgow Herald June 22, 1865

The Wemyss Bay development provided a short steamer crossing to Bute but when the line finally opened, the management of the enterprise was a disaster. A fine two-funneled steamer, Largs, provided a basic service with an early morning departure from Lamlash, connecting with Wemyss Bay and then provided connections with Largs and Millport during the day, with a late afternoon return to Arran where she berthed overnight.

Adverts, Glasgow Herald, July 19, 1865

Two new saloon steamers, Bute and Kyles were used in attempts to compete with the new Iona, sailing to Ardrishaig and developing excursions. They did not last on the Clyde beyond a single season and departed for the Thames in September 1865.

Rothesay with the Wemyss Bay Co. Victory and Vesta (Annan)

To augment the service to Rothesay, a smaller steamer was added. The Victory was purchased from Captain Duncan Stewart and carried on the connections. Late running by the steamers and the subsequent late running of trains over the single line between Greenock and Wemyss Bay created havoc and soon letters to the editor of the various coast newspapers were full of indignant accounts of mismanagement and incompetence. Calls for the trains to run to time so that the steamboat company would be forced to improve its scheduling fell on deaf ears.

When Arran Castle reappeared in April 1865, she was much improved.

“Rothesay Steamers.—On Wednesday an addition was made to the number of steamers on the Glasgow and Rothesay route by the reappearance of the swift new steamer Arran Castle. The Arran Castle has been put upon a very convenient hour, leaving Glasgow at 3 p.m. and Greenock at 5 p.m., and leaving Rothesay at 8:40 a.m., in connection with the 10:30 a.m. up-train from Greenock. There are now five steamers on this station daily, the Pioneer, Alma, Vesta, Vulcan, and Arran Castle.”—The Morning Journal, May 3, 1865.

“Trial Trip of the River Steamer Arran Castle.—Yesterday, about half-past twelve, this fine new steamer left the Broomielaw for the purpose of testing her speed after alterations, and, as a result proved great improvements in her machinery. After leaving Bowling she caught sight, upwards of a mile a-head, of a fast steamer from Glasgow, and, before reaching Greenock, not only made up to, but passed her. At Greenock, the builders, engineers, and others interested, joined the vessel, personally to see in what time she run the Lights. Under circumstances not the most favourable, she made the run from Cloch to Cumbrae Light-house in forty-eight minutes—the first half of the distance at about five strokes less per minute than the maximum which she attained, namely, a little over forty-five strokes per minute. After the Lights had been run, a substantial and elegant dejeuner was served up in the saloon by steward Campbell, restranteur of St Mary’s Buildings, Glasgow. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been duly responded to, the healths of “Those South of the Tweed,” coupled with the names of Alderman Fletcher and Mr. Ditchburne of the Thames, was enthusiastically given; and in responding, the worthy Alderman said he trusted they would be able to make arrangements to take one or two of the famed Clyde steamers to run on the Thames. After spending a very harmonious and delightful afternoon, the steamer returned to Glasgow with the best wishes of all for the health of the owner, and prosperity to the steamer Arran Castle.”—Glasgow Herald April 24, 1865.

The reference to the Thames is evidence that Mr. Watson was looking for partners to take the Arran Castle to London. Dealings fell through however, as the steamer continued to sail on the Rothesay route throughout 1865.

“Addition to the Rothesay Steamers.—On Monday, the swift steamer Arran Castle is to take up a station between Glasgow and Rothesay. She will fill up an hour which hitherto has not been thought of by any of the Rothesay steamers that we recollect, but an hour which we think must be a favourite one for a certain class, viz, 12 noon. From Rothesay she takes up the 5 p.m. run, which is certainly an hour that is advantageous to pleasure-seekers who wish a good penny-worth of roaming the seashore. The Arran Castle is sailing very fast this season, having on her trial trip the other day realized a speed of near 20 miles per hour. With such fine steamers as the Arran Castle, the Eagle, the new Undine, and the world famed Iona on this line, and the new Kyles and Bute on the Wemyss Bay route, we are certainly more favoured this season than ever we were.

The language is positive but the underlying message suggests that the Arran Castle might be more suitable for those who have limited interest in their destination. An improved situation resulted when the Arran Castle and the Eagle entered an informal compact; each steamer making three sailings between Glasgow and Rothesay, the vessels alternating their schedules on a daily basis.

Glasgow Herald, July 19, 1865

Glasgow Herald, July 19, 1865

Mention must also be made of the Undine which was launched towards the end of 1864 by Messrs Henderson, Coulborn & Co. of Renfrew and then lay in the Gareloch off Row until she was taken back up the river in January to be finished to run for Messrs Henderson in consort with the Vesta in the Rothesay trade.

Glasgow Herald, August 9, 1865

Eagle of 1864 at the Broomielaw with Vesta downstream

Mr Watson with the backing of Captain William Barr and Mr. W. Campbell added a new steamer, Rothesay Castle, in July. The name and the list of owners had echoes of the old Castle Steamboat Co., but old Mr Campbell of Tullichewan had died the previous year and the William Campbell who was part owner was the steward of the Arran Castle and his brother James was to be steward of the new steamer. At just over 200 feet in length from the yard of Messrs Henderson, Colbourne & Co., of Renfrew, she was a solid if unspectacular addition to the fleet and intended for the Glasgow to Arran service by way of Rothesay.

Rothesay Castle of 1865 (Alasdair Macfarlane—Evening Citizen)

“New River Steamer.—On Friday afternoon, a new paddle steamer named the Rothesay Castle went down the river, and proceeded over to Gareloch to adjust her compasses. She is the third steamer of that name built within five years, the one preceding her having gone out to “Dixie;” and the other, Messrs Caird’s, having left for India. The Rothesay Castle No. 3 came into existence without much introductory notice; and very few knew on Saturday, when she took the station, when or where she sprung from. We understand she was only launched a few weeks since, and is owned by Mr Watson, the proprietor of the Arran Castle, Hero, Petrel, and Cardiff Castle, who has now a large fleet of steamers.”—Greenock Advertiser, July 18, 1865

Glasgow Herald, August 22, 1865

Glasgow Herald, August 22, 1865

Sultan and an early Loch Eck tour in Glasgow Herald August 22, 1865

At the end of the season, in mid-September, the informal compact between the Eagle and the Arran Castle was terminated and each steamer made the double journey once daily. The schedule had the Iona sailing from Glasgow at 7:00 a.m., Rothesay Castle at 8:00 a.m., Alma at 9:00 a.m., Undine at 10:00 a.m., Arran Castle at 11:15 a.m., Vulcan 1:00 p.m., Sultan at 2:00 p.m., Hero at 3:00 p.m., and Eagle at 4:00 p.m. From Rothesay, Hero sailed at 7:10 a.m., Vulcan at 7:45 a.m., Sultan at 8:40 a.m., Eagle at 10:00 a.m., Alma at 1:30 p.m., Undine at 2:30 p.m., Arran Castle and Iona both at 3:30 p.m., and Rothesay Castle at 4:30 p.m. The withdrawal of the Kyles and Bute left Victory serving Rothesay from Wemyss Bay with three sailings through the day while the Largs sailed to Largs and Millport—Glasgow Morning Journal Sept 16 1865

In January of 1866, the Arran Castle was withdrawn from the Glasgow and Rothesay station as the trade was proving un-remunerative. For a time, she substituted for the Victory sailing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay while the Victory underwent repair. However, broader plans were afoot.

Mr Watson and his partner, Captain Brown from Bangor in Ireland, entered into a speculative partnership to take the Arran Castle to the Thames, to run between London and Gravesend, where there were more opportunities than in the waters of the Clyde. She was to compete against the Alexandra that had gone to the Thames a year or so before and found success. The saloon steamers Kyles and Bute had both moved south at the end of 1865, and like the Alexandra, the Arran Castle was swift and strongly built. During February and March, a saloon was constructed on her deck by Messrs Darroch & Gillespie of Glasgow, to give improved accommodation, comparable to that of the Iona and Alexandra. Arran Castle set off for the Thames on Wednesday, March 21, with Mr Watson and his twelve year-old son, Alexander, Captain Brown, who was in command, William Campbell and his brother James Campbell as stewards, Mr Wighton who was to manage the steamer in London, Mr Donald Campbell, an engineer from Messrs Randolph and Elder who was in charge of the engines and was to take up a new appointment in London. There were thirteen others in the crew; most were from Belfast and had joined the ship immediately before sailing. Arran Castle was hailed a few miles north of Dublin but encountered a severe gale that evening and appears to have backtracked and foundered with all hands somewhere between Corswall Point and the Copelands in the North Channel. Wreckage was picked up by the tug Jasper on March 28 off Port-Patrick and identified by Captain Young who had formerly been in charge of the Arran Castle as coming from that vessel. A search that included the Cardiff Castle was set up but no bodies were ever found. The nature of the wreckage suggested that she had suffered a boiler explosion.

The loss of the Arran Castle held a morbid fascination for public for a number of months but there were new ventures on the Clyde that season.

It was the turn of the north bank railway, the North British, to try their hand at steamboat owning in 1866. The Helensburgh Railway had reached the town in 1858 and the line was acquired by the North British Railway in 1865.

Adverts, Glasgow Herald, June 15, 1866

Two large saloon steamboats, Dandie Dinmont and Meg Merrilies were ordered from Messrs A. & J. Inglis and were placed on the connection between Helensburgh and Rothesay with an extension to Ardrishaig.

Meg Merriles

As with the Wemyss Bay Company, the attempt to compete in the link for the lucrative West Highland tourist traffic was not a success and the steamers were withdrawn at the end of the season to be replaced in 1869, after a hiatus, by a more modest service conducted to Dunoon and the Holy Loch by the reintroduced Dandie Dinmont and Carham, a small steamer built by Inglis in 1864 that had served on the Solway.

Captain Duncan Stewart had been left with the old Alma when he sold his newer steamer Victory to the Wemyss Bay Co., but had her scrapped and a new hull built for her machinery by Messrs Barclay Curle & Co. The resulting steamer, Argyle, was in Captain Stewart’s service for barely a month when she too was sold to the Wemyss Bay Co.

Argyle approaching Largs

The Wemyss Bay Co. struggled on with the resulting limited service but the damage to their reputation had been done and the company folded in 1869 to be replaced by a new private concern, run by Messrs Gilles and Campbell who took over the Largs, Victory and Argyle. Together with one of the older McKellar steamer, Venus, they maintained a solid, if unspectacular, service in connection with the railway for the next twenty years.

In the meantime Captain Stewart purchased the steamer Undine from the Messrs Henderson, who sold their other vessel, Vesta, to Messrs Campbell for the Kilmun station. Captain Stewart also had a fine new steamer, Athole built by Messrs Barclay Curle & Co. She had a raised quarterdeck and was a smart addition to Stewart’s fleet.

Glasgow Herald, May 24 1866

Buchanan’s Eagle was lengthened by 16 feet in 1866 and her performance was improved. Thereafter, she became a favourite on the Rothesay station and that season was in a loose rotation with the Rothesay Castle and Hero, providing four sailings in each direction to Rothesay. The Hero sailed on to Arran through the Kyles while the Eagle and the Rothesay Castle alternated their schedules on a daily basis, each providing three journeys between Glasgow and Rothesay.

“The River Steamer Eagle. Swift Sailing.—Yesterday, the favourite steamer Eagle, Captain William Buchanan, started from the Broomielaw on a trial trip, after having been lengthened 16 feet abaft the paddle boxes, and having received a thorough overhaul. A select party of gentlemen joined the steamer at the Bridge Wharf, and on reaching Greenock the company was augmented by several well-wishers of the owners. The Eagle then started for Garelochhead, accomplishing the distance between Greenock and Roseneath in twelve minutes. On steaming down the loch, the sailing capabilities of the vessel were put to the test by running—not “The Lights”—but a measured statute mile, which showed that she had attained a speed of nearly 19 miles an hour. This gratifying result was received with great satisfaction by the gentlemen present, all of whom spoke in high terms of the steadiness of the vessel, and the absence of the shakiness which is occasionally felt on board river steamers. After leaving Garelochhead, the Eagle was steered for Lochgoilhead, at which place she lay for half an hour, thereby enabling the company to enjoy a peasant walk. Rothesay was the next port fixed upon, and on the way thither the company sat down to an excellent dinner, served up in capital style by Mr Kelly, the steward. Mr David M‘Cubbin, accountant, presided, and amongst the gentlemen present from Glasgow were Messrs John Ballardie, Matthew Pettigrew, John Ferguson (of Barclay, Curle & Co.), John Young, William Young, John Sneddon, John Nelson, John Donald; Captains, Alexander M‘Lean, John Campbell, Reid, Wilson, &c.; from Greenock, Bailie John Hunter, Captain M‘Neilage, Mr Gilchrist, station master, Mr Morrison, &c.; from Rothesay, The Rev. Mr Macfarlane, Dr. Paterson, and Messrs Kinloch, M‘Kechnie, Keith, Lawrie, &c. After the tables had been cleared, the Chairman proposed the “Queen;” he next gave the healths of the owners of the Eagle, and referred in eulogistic terms to the manner in which the vessel was managed, and to the courtesy and ability of her commander, Captain Buchanan. The toast, which was drunk amid great enthusiasm, was acknowledged by the Captain and Mr John Cook. Bailie Hunter proposed “Prosperity to the Trade of Rothesay,” coupled with the name of Mr M‘Kechnie, who replied. Dr. Paterson, Rothesay, proposed “Prosperity to the City of Glasgow,” coupled with the name of Mr Ballardie, who acknowledged the toast. The Chairman then proposed “The Clergy of Scotland,” coupled with the health of the Rev. Mr Macfarlane, who briefly replied. After the Rothesay gentlemen were landed, the Eagle steamed to Greenock, accomplishing the distance, exclusive of a stoppage at Dunoon, in one hour. In the forenoon the weather was disagreeable; but, as the day advanced, the clouds cleared off, and the company spent a most delightful day.”—Glasgow Herald, March 31, 1866.

Glasgow Herald, May 24, 1866

Glasgow Herald, May 24, 1866

The loss of the Arran Castle and its enterprising owner, Mr Alexander Watson had a profound effect on the business and the tragedy was long remembered on the Clyde. Captain Barr managed the business during 1866 but some of the ships were sold, and the following year the remainder of the fleet was offered for sale. The Petrel was in the hands of Harry Sharp and was given a new boiler in 1866, reappearing with a single funnel.

“Shipping Sales.—The well-known river steamers Hero and Cardiff Castle, belonging to the late Mr Watson, were yesterday sold by public roup within the Faculty Hall, Glasgow. The Hero brought £2800, and the Cardiff Castle £800. The former, it is said, was purchased by Captain Reid and some friends, and is intended for the Rothesay station. The latter was purchased for Mr. Harry Sharp, Glasgow. The steamer Vesta has been purchased by the Messrs Campbell from the Messrs Henderson. The Vesta was chartered some weeks ago to supply the place of the Vivid, which met with an accident to her machinery, but has been purchased altogether. Messrs Campbell intend to give her an overhaul, new floats, and otherwise improve her. They have also a new steamer building by Messrs Barclay Curle & Co., Glasgow, and this summer they will have three steamers employed on the Kilcreggan and Kilmun station.”—Greenock Telegraph, May 10, 1866.

Liverpool Mercury, March 12, 1867

In mid-April, 1867, it was reported that the Cardiff Castle had been scrapped for £320 and the Rothesay Castle sold to Captain William Buchanan for £2,500, well below the £6,000 that she had cost new.  Captain Buchanan now had two modern steamers under his command.

Buchanan’s Rothesay Castle at the Broomielaw with the Petrel lying off around 1868 (Washington Wilson)

Dissatisfaction with the costs of the shipping goods at the rates charged by the steamers prompted a collection of gentlemen in Rothesay and Dunoon, to have built and subsequently run a steamboat on their own account. There seems little doubt that the name chosen for the steamer, Dunoon Castle, harkened back to the days of the Castle Steamers when an efficient and reliable service to the two resorts was in effect. The Dunoon and Rothesay Carriers went to the yard of Messrs Thomas Wingate & Co. for the Dunoon Castle. Her funnel was aft of the paddle boxes and she looked old fashioned but proved to be a useful vessel.

In 1866, Captain Williamson’s Sultan was lengthened and improved. With growing custom from Kamesburgh, her morning times were changed to leave Kamesburgh at 7:00 a.m., Rothesay at 8:40 a.m. reaching Greenock for the 10:30 a.m. connection to Glasgow, except on Mondays when the times were earlier by 1 hour. In the season, this entailed a 5:50 a.m. departure from Ormidale where she berthed overnight. The addition of a consort, the Sultana, in 1868 allowed a morning sailing from Glasgow at 9:00 a.m. connecting with the 9:45 a.m. train from Glasgow at Greenock and returning from Kamesburgh at 1:00 p.m. and Rothesay thirty minutes later.

Sultana at the Broomielaw with Lancelot and Marquis of Bute around 1870 (Washington Wilson)

The Sultana was a little larger than the Sultan but like her was flush-decked with no saloons. Her hull was built by Messrs Robertson & Co. of Greenock and her single diagonal machinery was supplied by Messrs William King & Co. Sultana surpassed her fleet-mate in the area of speed and became a firm favourite on the route, taking the key services.

Adverts, Glasgow Herald, June 18, 1868

Another addition in 1868 was the Marquis of Bute. Captain Alexander M‘Lean and his brother Thomas were owners of the Vulcan and with that vessel had developed a solid reputation on the Rothesay route. Their business expanded when they had the Marquis of Bute built for them by Messrs Barclay Curle & Co. Flush decked, she was slightly longer than the Dunoon Castle but looked more modern with her funnel forward of the paddle boxes.

The new Marquis of Bute at the Broomielaw with the Petrel and Lochlomond in 1868 (Washington Wilson)

Lancelot and Marquis of Bute at the Broomielaw around 1870 (Washington Wilson)

The Greenock and Ayrshire Railway opened its route in 1869, connecting the Glasgow and South Western Railway with the Albert Harbour and providing more convenient access to a steamer pier than the rival Caledonian at Cathcart Street. The Albert Pier, soon to become Princes Pier, attracted steamer traffic and many of the steamers would call at both Greenock locations. The new railway made efforts to ensure that there were connections to their main train services. They contracted with Messrs Graham Brymner & Co. whose steamers, Elaine of 1867, Lancelot of 1868 and the two-funneled Guinevere of 1869, ran from the Broomielaw to Largs, Millport and Arran, the Guinevere by way of Dunoon and Rothesay. In addition, they engaged the Greenock and Helensburgh Steamboat Co. Ltd, also managed by the Greenock tug-owner and magistrate, Brymner, whose small steamers, Ardencaple, Rosneath, Levan, and Ardgown, later also the Craigrownie, connected with Helensburgh and the Gareloch. An arrangement for the steamer Athole from Captain Duncan Stewart to provide a connection to Kilmun and Rothesay was also worked out. However, these arrangements were in some flux. The Rosneath was quickly sold off the river and went to Cork while the Ardencaple was purchased by Captain Campbell for his rival Gareloch service. The remaining steamers provided a service supplemented by the regular river steamers. The Athole sailed from Rothesay to Greenock, connecting with the 8:45 down train and returning to Rothesay.

Adverts, Glasgow Herald, August 14, 1869

In 1870, the Caledonian at Greenock retained the services of the Dunoon Castle and the Vesta to connect for Rothesay and the Holy Loch with their trains at the steamboat quay. Captain Stewart sold the Athole to the Greenock and Ayrshire Railway and introduced his fine two-funneled steamer, Lorne, to replace her on the Rothesay route.  She was a good-looking steamer built by Messrs M‘Millan & Co. at Dumbarton, but was heavy on coal, much to the chagrin of her owner.

Adverts, Glasgow Herald, July 11, 1871

In 1871, the Lady Mary was displaced from the Ardrossan to Arran route by the new Heather Bell and moved to the upper river, sailing from Glasgow to Arran by way of Largs and Millport in direct opposition to the Lancelot.

Wemyss Bay Pier with Argyle around 1872 (Washington Wilson)

The Wemyss Bay route, now in the more capable hands of Messers Gilles & Campbell and in April 1870, the Victory, surplus to the requirements, was offered for sale. The sale was cancelled and she spent the season sailing from Glasgow but in the following year was sold to Mr. Henry Sharp for the Sunday trade and renamed Marquis of Lorne.  To replace the Victory, a new steamer, Lady Gertrude, was ordered from Messrs Blackwood & Gordon of Greenock.  Flush-decked, like the Marquis of Bute, she was a well-liked addition to the fleet.

Lady Gertrude at Rothesay (Valentine)

By 1872, the Greenock and Ayrshire was absorbed into the Glasgow and Southwestern Railway and as most of the river steamers advertised calls at both Greenock Quay and the new Princes Pier, there was little incentive to maintain ownership or specific arrangements with any of the steamers. The Athole was sold to Captain Alexander M‘Lean in 1872 and in late 1871, the Levan, Ardgowan and Craigrownie were taken over by the now combined fleet of Hugh Keith and Robert Campbell.

Marquis of Bute and M’Gilp’s Elaine with her short steam pipe at the Broomielaw around 1871 (Washington Wilson)

Adverts, Glasgow Herald, June 11, 1872

The Elaine was sold to Captain Archibald M‘Gilp and his associates who ran the steamer on the Rothesay route for the next two years. By the end of 1874, Lorne had been sold and Captain Duncan Stewart purchased Elaine to run on the Rothesay route in consort with his steamer Undine.

Captain Stewart’s Undine with his Elaine downstream around 1874 (Washington Wilson)

Adverts, Glasgow Herald, June 11, 1872

From around the time that the Glasgow and Southwestern Railway took control at Greenock, Captain Williamson’s Sultan and Sultana became two of the more reliably important steamers connecting with the Greenock and Ayrshire Railway. In particular, the new Sultana attracted attention as one of the fastest steamers on the Firth. She was entrusted with the express connections, competing with the railway connections of the North British and, particularly, the Wemyss Bay Company. Connections with the Caledonian were also maintained but the bulk of the traffic came through Princes Pier.

Eagle with Lancelot and Dunoon Castle at the Broomielaw around 1872 (Washington Wilson)

Eagle with Lancelot and Dunoon Castle at the Broomielaw around 1872 (Washington Wilson)

In 1874, the withdrawal of the Duke of Hamilton’s Heather Bell from the route between Ardrossan and Arran opened a new opportunity for Captain Buchanan.  The Rothesay Castle replaced Heather Bell and so Eagle ran without a consort on the Rothesay station.

Glasgow Herald, June 11, 1874

The following year, the Wemyss Bay Steamboat Co. purchased the Lancelot to strengthen their fleet.

Glasgow Herald, June 11, 1874

Wemyss Bay Co. Lancelot with Iona at Rothesay in the 1870s (Valentine)

During the succeeding years, Sultana became the most prominent steamer sailing to Rothesay from Greenock. She ran in connection with the highly visible express services, competing with the steamers of the Wemyss Bay Company.

Adverts, Glasgow Herald, June 11, 1874

Captain Williamson added a new steamer, Viceroy, in 1875 from Messrs D. & W. Henderson of Partick.

“Partick.—Messrs David & Wm. Henderson & Co. launched yesterday from their building-yard here an iron river steamer, which had been built to the order of Captain Williamson. She is a half saloon steamer, 195 feet long, 20 feet beam, and 7½ feet depth, and is fitted with all the latest improvements, including patent steam steering gear. As she left the ways she was named Viceroy by Miss M. Williamson. The Viceroy will be furnished by the builders with her machinery, and on completion will be placed on the Glasgow, Rothesay, and Kyles of Bute station.”—Glasgow Herald May 7, 1875.

Viceroy (McQueen)

As a half-saloon or raised quarterdeck vessel with more headroom and light in her main saloon with the roof of the main saloon aft raised to the height of the main rail, she was comparable with the Eagle, Elaine, Lancelot and Guinevere. Designed as an improved version of the flush-decked Sultana, she was a handy vessel but disappointed in the area of speed so that Sultana continued to be the preferred vessel on the express services.

Over the winter of 1876, the Sultana was given a complete overhaul and her internal appointments were renewed for the 1877 season.

“Trial Trip of the Sultana.—The favorite steamer Sultana, which plies during the summer months between Glasgow, Rothesay, and the Kyles of Bute, made yesterday her first trip of the year. The vessel has been completely overhauled since she was taken off the passage, and various made on her machinery, the chief of these being the introduction of Buckley’s patent piston. The run yesterday was as far as Port Bannatyne, and on the return journey the steamer’s speed was tested along the measured mile off the Skelmorlie coast. She did the distance in 3 min. 30 sec., being at the rate of 21 miles an hour, an increase of fully a mile and a half as a result of the alterations which have been made.  The Sultan, which belongs to the same owner, is at present on the stocks at Port-Glasgow. Nearly the whole machinery is to be replaced, and new paddle-boxes are to be fitted up. The vessel is also to be provided with a handsome saloon on the quarter-deck. The Viceroy is likewise undergoing extensive alterations. The Sultana, we may add, will be placed under the command of Captain James Williamson.”—Glasgow Herald, March 1, 1877

Sultana had competition from the new Wemyss Bay boat, Sheila, that was launched from the yard of Messrs Caird & Co., and was a very fast boat.

“Yesterday Messrs Caird & Co. launched the Wemyss Bay Steamboat Company’s new steamer.  She is 205 feet 6 inches long and 7 feet 6 inches deep.  She is named Sheila, is built on beautiful lines, and will be engined to run at a high speed.”—Glasgow Herald, April 20, 1877.

Accounts of the ding-dong battles between the Sheila and the Sultana on the afternoon express services from Wemyss Bay and Princes Pier respectively are well known.