This article continues from the description of the steamboats on the Largs and Millport trade, and covers the decade of the 1840s. Part of the story is the subject of an entertaining chapter “An Exchange of Compliments,” in “Echoes of Old Clyde Paddle Wheels,” by Andrew McQueen. It is a story that bears retelling. The decade marked the ascension of the M‘Kellar family that had entered the Largs and Millport trade in 1833 with the Hero, and in 1839 had the Victor and the new Warrior as their steamers, competing with the Sir William Wallace and the Robert Burns belonging to Mr William Young and his associates. These steamers, products of the 1830s, were all of wood, and the 1840s also saw the supremacy of iron shipbuilding in the Clyde fleet.

The year 1840, signaled a dramatic change in the conveyance of passengers and goods to the Ayrshire coast. In July, the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway came into reality. Parts of the line had been in operation for a few years, but on August 12th, the last link was opened and through traffic between Glasgow and Ayr began. The railway also linked with the revamped Ardrossan Railway at Kilwinning, allowing access to steamship services to Arran and Liverpool.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway Map

The facade of Bridge Street station—still to be completed in 1840

While there were advances in transportation, the early 1840s saw the West of Scotland in a trade depression. The textile trade, in particular was affected as the weaving of cloth was mechanized in factories, hand-weavers were forced to accept low prices for their toil and many found their way to the poor-house.

Ayr from the North

The Auld Kirk o’ Ayr

The year began much as 1839 had ended with the wooden steamers Robert Burns and Sir William Wallace on the Largs, Ardrossan and Ayr station, three days a week, extending the sailing on Saturday to Stranraer, returning Monday.

“The Ayr steamers will sail from the Broomielaw for Ayr and intermediate ports, (weather permitting,) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at half-past nine o’clock morning; leaving Ayr on the same mornings to suit the state of the tide. The Robert Burns or Sir William Wallace continue to ply to Stranraer on the same days till further notice, viz., To-morrow, Saturday, and every alternate Saturday thereafter, at half-past nine morning—(not at half-past eight, as formerly advertised)—leaving Stranraer about mid-day on the Monday following.

“The proprietors of the above vessels, thankful to the public for the liberal support they have received during the past years on the above station, beg leave to state, that in addition to the sailings of the Wallace and Burns, they are making arrangements for the purpose of starting a steamer daily, during summer, from and to Arran at equally reduced rates. Apply to Wm Young, 419 Argyll Street; or to James Paul, at the Ayrshire and Stranraer Landing-box, Broomielaw; Mr Lamb, Ayr; and Mr Hunter, Stranraer”—Glasgow Herald, January 24, 1840.

The principal owner of these two steamers was William Young who had owned a small wooden steamer, Rob Roy, built in 1835 by Messrs Robert Duncan of Greenock for the west highland service, but taken over by Messrs G. & J. Burns as they expanded their interests into steamship services on the west coast of Scotland. Young invested in these two powerful wooded steamers that had shown themselves well equipped for the Ayr and Stranraer service of the day. However, the trade was not sufficently profitable for two vessels and the impending opening of the railway to Ayr was enough for the owners to put a vessel on the market.

“Ayr and Stranraer steamers.—The Sir William Wallace or Robert Burns continue to ply regularly for the above and intermediate ports.

“For sale.—To be sold by private bargain, one of the above substantial-bult, new, and well-known fast sailing steam vessels. The proprietors are parting with one of them merely on account of the trade on the Ayshire coast not being sufficient to keep both vessels on that station. Each vessel is provided with two engines. The Sir William Wallace, of 60 horse power each, and the Robert Burns, 50 horse power each. The holds are capable of carrying large cargoes, on a light draught of water, and the cabins are spacious, and splendidly fitted up. For particulars, apply to Wm Young, 419 Argyll Street.”—Glasgow Herald, February 14, 1840

It would appear that there were no readily available buyers as the two-steamers continued to ply as usual.

“Ayr and Stranraer steamers.—The Sir William Wallace or Robert Burns continue to ply as formerly for Ayr and intermediate ports, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at half-past 9 o’clock morning, till further notice; leaving Ayr every Wednesday, Friday, and Monday morning, in sufficient time to call at Ardrossan by 10 o’clock. The Burns sails tomorrow (Saturday), and every alternate Saturday for Ayr, Stranraer, and intermediate ports, at half-past nine morning, till further intimation. For particulars apply to James Paul, at the Ayrshire and Stranraer Landing-box, Broomielaw; Mr Lamb, Ayr; and Mr Hunter, Stranraer—Glasgow March 6th, 1840”—Glasgow Herald, March 6, 1840

“Largs, Ardrossan, Ayr and Stranraer steamers.—The new, powerful, and very fast-sailing steamers Sir William Wallace or Robert Burns, continue to ply as formerly for Largs, Ardrossan, and Ayr, calling at intermediate ports, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at half-past 9 o’clock morning; and to Stranraer, on and after Saturday, the 21st instant, every Saturday morning, at half-past nine, calling at all the above intermediate ports. Apply to James Paul, at the Ayrshire and Stranraer Landing-box, Broomielaw; Mr Lamb, Ayr; and Mr Hunter, Stranraer.”—Glasgow Herald, March 13, 1840

In February, the Isle of Bute, built in 1835 to compete with the Castle Company’s steamers on the Rothesay route, was advertised to sail for Arran. She did not ply regularly on the station but had previously sailed to Arran on occasion. She would return the following day.

“The Isle of Bute, Royal Mail Steam Packet, will sail for Lamlash, Arran, (weather permitting,) on Monday first, the 17th current (to-day), at 2 o’clock, p.m.—John Semple, Manager, Rothesay, 15th February, 1840.”—Glasgow Herald, February 17, 1840

In March, the consortium of steamers owned by James Stevenson, Hugh Price and the M‘Kellars, the mainstay of the Largs and Millport station, and competition for the steamers of Messrs Young on the Ardrossan and Arran stations, began for the season. The M‘Kellars had two wooden steamers, Victor of 1836, and the two-funneled Warrior of 1839. James Dennistoun of 1835 and Ayrshire Lassie of 1839 were owned by James Stevenson and Hugh Price and were also wooden-hulled. The four steamers were under the management of Messrs Hamilton, Brother & Co.

“Steamers Victor and James Dennistoun, will sail for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, every day at twelve o’clock noon, commencing on Monday first, the 9th instant, and will leave Ardrossan for Glasgow every morning at 7 o’clock, commencing on Tuesday first.”—Glasgow Herald, March 6, 1840

“Ardrossan and Ayr steamers—Ayrshire Lassie (Capt. J. Hunter), Warrior (Capt. D. M‘Kellar), Victor (Capt. A. M‘Kellar), James Dennistoun (Capt. A. Crawford). The above line and powerful and splendid steamers sail for Largs, Ardrossan, and Ayr every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, at half-past 9 o’clock, commencing on Wednesday first. For Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan every day at 12 o’clock noon, commencing this day. Apply to Hamilton, Brother & Co., 240 Broomielaw Quay, Glasgow, March 9th, 1840.”—Glasgow Herald, March 9, 1840

Victor

In April the Sir William Wallace began exploring new routes, offering an excursion to Tarbert.

“Tarbert.—Pleasure trip.—The new, splendid, powerful and fast-sailing steamer, Sir William Wallace, will (by the request of several parties) sail on a pleasure trip at half-past six morning, calling at Greenock, Dunoon, and Rothesay; from thence she will proceed direct to Tarbert, where the passengers will have an opportunity of viewing the splendid and romantic scenery of the Kyles of Bute, &c. After remaining at Tarbert sufficient time to allow passengers to view the place, she will return to Glasgow in the evening, calling at all the above ports to take up those passengers who went with her in the morning. Fares, going and returning, cabin, 4s.; Steerage, 2s 6d.

“The Robert Burns sails on the same morning for Greenock, Largs, Ardrossan, and Ayr, as usual, at half-past nine, leaving Ayr next morning about eight o’clock.”—Glasgow Herald, April 6, 1840

M‘Kellar’s Warrior opened up the season’s sailings to Arran with an excursion. She was unusual in having two funnels, fore and aft of the paddle boxes, and was the first of the Clyde steamboats so fitted out.

“Pleasure excursion.—On Thursday morning, the 8th instant, at ½-past 6 o’clock, the splendid steamer Warrior, Capt. Dun. M‘Kellar, will sail for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Millport, and Brodick (Isle of Arran,) where she will remain fully an hour, and return to Glasgow in the evening. Fares, for the whole day’s sailing—Cabin 3s.; Steerage, 2s. 6d.

“Ayr steamers.—The Warrior or Ayrshire Lassie continue to sail for Largs, Ardrossan, and Ayr, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning , at ½-past 9, except Wednesday first, when the Victor will sail (in place of the Warrior) at 12 o’clock.—Glasgow, 6th April, 1840”—Glasgow Herald, April 6, 1840

In May, 1840, the days of Eglinton Park Races, Sir William Wallace and the Campbeltown steamer, Nimrod, ran excursions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to Ardrossan where they would be met by coaches.

At the end of the month, the summer schedule for the consortium managed by Messrs Hamilton, Brothers & Co., was announced. The previous year, the steamers had been Ayrshire Lassie, Warrior, Victor, and James Dennistoun, and it appears that the latter was out of commission and the Express substituted. The Express was a wooden paddle steamer built in 1836 by Messrs Robert Barclay at Stobcross for Hugh Price and associates, and had been running on the Helensburgh station.

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, Ayr, and Arran steamers.—On and after Monday next, the 1st of June, the steamers Ayrshire Lassie, Warrior, Victor, and Express, will sail at the following hours, viz:—From Glasgow for Largs and Millport, every morning at ½-past 8, Mondays excepted, every day at 12 noon, and 2 afternoon; for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, every afternoon at 2 o’clock; for Largs, Ardrossan, and Ayr, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at ½-past 9; for Largs, Millport, Brodick, and Lamlash, every Saturday, at 12 o’clock noon. From Ayr for Glasgow, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning, hour of sailing to be seen on the boards; from Ardrossan, every morning at 7 o’clock, also the Ayr steamer for Glasgow will call every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday forenoon; from Millport, every morning at 6 and 8 o’clock, every afternoon at 2, Saturdays excepted; from Largs, every morning at ½-past 6, and at ½-past 8, every afternoon at ½-past 2, Saturdays excepted, , also the steamer from Ayr for Glasgow will call every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday forenoon; from Arran, every Monday forenoon—Lamlash at ½-past 11—Brodick at 12.”—Glasgow Herald, May 29, 1840

On June 1, Robert Burns or Sir William Wallace were advertised to sail on Thursday 4th of June to Girvan for the cattle show, added to the Ayr call, returning to Ayr in the evening. On the Friday, morning she would call again at Girvan for Glasgow at 7 o’clock in the evening calling at Ayr and her usual ports. There was a rail connection from Kilwinning leaving at 6 in the morning for Ayr.

Ardrossan

The Isle of Arran, sailing from Ardrossan to Arran, began her season in June.

“The Royal Mail Steam Packet Isle of Arran, to and from Ardrossan to Arran.—the steam packet Isle of Arran will sail, to begin on the 15th instant (weather permitting), from Ardrossan, daily, at ½-past 10 o’clock forenoon, for Brodick and Lamlash; and from Arran for Ardrossan, starting from Lamlash at ½-past 3, and from Brodick at ½-past 4 afternoon.

“In addition to the above, she will sail from Ardrossan for Brodick and Lamlash, on Saturdays at ½-past 6 o’clock evening; and return from Arran to Ardrossan on Monday mornings, starting from Lamlash at 6 o’clock, and Brodick at ½-past 6.

“As it is intended that the steamer will make a pleasure sail, weather suiting, on Wednesday, weekly, to the romantic scenery of Arran, on that day she may be a little later in starting from Arran and arriving at Ardrossan, than usual.—Lamlash, 4th June, 1840.”—Glasgow Herald, June 8, 1840.

The Largs and Millport steamer, Victor, added a call at Brodick for the Brodick Fair.

“Brodick Fair.—The fine fast-sailing steamer Victor, will sail from the Broomielaw, on Monday first, at 12 o’clock noon, for Largs, Millport, and Brodick, (Island of Arran,) with passengers for Brodick Fair.—Glasgow, 19th June, 1840.”—Glasgow Herald, June 19, 1840

The Warrior and Ayrshire Lassie shared duties on the Ardrossan and Ayr station, with the Warrior alternating with Victor to Largs, Millport and Arran. Victor provided the morning sailing from Millport, returning in the afternoon from Glasgow.

Of some interest is a description of a visit to Largs on July 18, 1840. The steamer was the afternoon boat, Victor, and the author’s impression of the town are positive.

Largs

“Largs and Helensburgh, for a long period, held unrivalled sway as the most fashionable watering-places on our coast—and if there was anything betwixt the two resorts in point of ton, we should say that Largs generally bore away the palm;—the balance of power was, however, pretty well preserved, and while Helensburgh could boast of the fixed stars which sparkled in her galaxy of fashion, Largs had always a few comets, male and female, whose attraction never failed to congregate together a respectable portion of lesser luminaries, and who, although moving in their own orbits, did not object to shine with a borrowed light! There is nothing new, to be sure, in all this, for it yet obtains, in a certain degree, everywhere, from the Queen’s Court, the centre of honour and etiquette, down to the Duchess-Dowager of John the “Wooden Jeweller,” who manufactures pegs for shoemakers. We all hang by each other, and just imitate our betters as best we may.

“This point, if it is a point, being settled, it may be necessary, as we always prefer commencing at the beginning of a story, to say that we dropped down the river last Saturday in the Victor, and an excellent and fast boat she is. The Shandon had just started before us, and showed fight.  So far as we continued our observations, the Victor had no great victory to claim, but they are both good sailers. Managed to get past Napier’s Dock without difficulty or accident. Great alterations going on along the banks of the river, reclaiming land, straightening and beautifying. With the necessary and increased powers to improve, Glasgow will yet be a noble port.—Beautiful afternoon, and the charmingly romantic scenery of the Clyde new and interesting as ever. Fine calm spot, New Glasgow—City not increasing much however—just four houses altogether, and no addition during the last twenty years. What a splendid view there is, when at this point, looking back on the ground traversed. Began to discover that instead of the slight rigmarole notices we have been taking of the different watering places for some weeks past, there were abundance of materials—new materials too—for forming a pretty large volume, which, if written by a person of taste and skill, would be a great accession to our light reading. There are hundreds of interesting matters, connected especially with Rothesay, Largs, Dunoon, &c., which it would require more time than an afternoon to notice fairly; and even in sailing down the river, although much is seen, how very little is known of the history—the interesting and strange histories of the many ivy-covered castles and towers scattered on its banks betwixt Broomielaw and the Garroch Head.

“Landed at Largs, and was not ten minutes ashore until we began to feel that we were breathing in an aristocratical atmosphere, and that this fine place was not unworthy of being termed “the Brighton of Scotland.” By the way, when a person is cold or chilly on the shore here, he should walk inland. In Largs the difference in climate in this respect is remarkable. The Coffee-room is well fitted for its purpose, and besides being liberally furnished with newspapers, has a Billiard Table for the use of the subscribers. The walls are hung round with useful maps, and some pictures are also displayed. That of Wm. Jamieson, the late bellman, and well known as the Caleb Quotem of Largs, is very characteristic. The Baths attached to the room are well conducted. The number of Glasgow families at present in Largs is fully an average; and we do not wonder at it, for there is a degree of comfort about the houses, and the whole district, that is to be found in few other places. In fine, this is the only spot we have yet seen where there is nothing whatever to complain of. All is clean and neat, just as such a place should be. The inhabitants seem also to be of a superior order, and of very gentle manners. In no other town have we observed the Sabbath kept more decorously—even the doors of the Inns are shut as if they were private houses on that day. This we know, at any rate, was the case with the very respectable, cleanly kept, and excellent house we put up at, namely, the White Hart Inn, Mrs. Arthur.”— James M‘Nab, Watering Places, Glasgow Constitutional, 1840.

The “New Glasgow” referred to was the collection of newly built villas to the north of Wemyss Bay.

The following week, the excursion was to Millport.

“The Great Cumbrae, as well as its little brother, the “Wee,” was an unknown land to us until last Saturday.  We had passed the islands twenty times without a thought, or if they did come into our mind, it was only to remark on their rocky sterility, or the richness of the humour and self-complacency of the clergyman, who used to pray regularly in Millport for the “Big and Wee Cumbraes, and the adjacent islands of Great Britain and Ireland!”  Little did we imagine there were so many fine houses, splendid rocks, green fields, prolific gardens, and romantic dells contained within these apparently bleak and barren islands.

This being the extent of our stock of knowledge with regards to Millport, &c., we bore down the river on Saturday with the Robert Burns, to have a sight of the untrodden shore.  Captain—civil, active, and attentive.  A band on board—a dreadful nuisance, but it was “the Fair,” and we had just to allow the sound of the base drum, and the dirlls of the small one, with the shrill notes of the fife “that played sweetly,” to go in at the one ear and out at the other; how could we do otherwise?  Landed at Largs, and learned from Mr. William Young, the jolly and good humoured steam-boat proprietor, a gentleman who knows the history of all the steamers, from 1812 to 1840, with accurate precision, that there were to be boat, sack, and foot races at Millport, same afternoon, and that Dr. Cairnie and all the town were going over in the Victor to see the sport.  This was a favourable opportunity to start, and we accordingly took our place and were over in a crack.  Millport is really a situation which at first sight, and after better acquaintance, strikes a person as just the sort of calm, simple, cozy spot, where, without ceremony or palaver, one could luxuriate in quietness—at least for a season.  We felt as if quite abroad for a moment, unknowing and unknown, we might spend an hour in admiration of the beauties we already perceived the place possessed in a high degree.  Having no greater liking, however, at any time, for scenery—for rocks, and glens, and waterfalls, and sea—than we have for honest men, and that best and noblest of created beings, woman! We were most agreeably surprised and pleased to find, on the sands of the bay of Millport, after the boat races, a collection of Glasgow gentlemen, with their wives and daughters, all alive to the pleasure of the moment, and the fun expected from a sack race!  We had by this time discovered, that if we had been cast on a strange land, some of the visitors were not altogether unknown to us.  Unfortunately it came on to rain, and most of the company left the ground, a few only remaining to witness the sport, and the strange figures some of the racers cut when emancipated from the flour sacks in which they had been cribbed up.

Millport has a fresh, healthy look, and its general appearance, with the houses encircling the bay, is very much the same as some other watering stations, Oban, for instance.  The small rocky islands which stud the bay are peculiar, however, as are also the very remarkable natural dykes, which rise in some places to a considerable height, and run through the larger Cumbrae, and into the sea to the opposite coast of Ayrshire.  On the shore of Cumbrae, looking over to Fairley, one of these dykes (the Deil’s Dyke, as it is popularly called,) rises to a great height, and assumes, at one point, a very correct representation of a Lion couchant.  Through this part there is a large hole, and the tradition amongst the islanders is, that a certain period, long gone past, the great enemy of man, when walking abroad on the earth, finding business increasing, and the fording of so many seas rather disagreeable, determined to build a bridge across from Argyll to Ayrshire.  The work had proceeded so far, but it appears something had occurred to offend his Majesty—trade had perhaps got flat in the interim—and he gave the foundation of the span about to be thrown over a tremendous kick with his cloven foot!  Hence the ragged and ill-shapen hole alluded to above.”—James M‘Nab, Watering Places, Glasgow Constitutional, 1840.

The Dr. Cairnie mentioned was the proprietor of the famous Curling Hall at Largs.

Returning to the steamboats, the Preston and Wyre Railway opened in July 1840 and raised prospects for steamboats sailing from Fleetwood across Morcambe Bay to Ulverston from where the English Lakes were accessed. At the end of June, Express was purchased for this service. James Dennistoun followed in August, also to sail out of Fleetwood though on the service to Douglas on the Isle of Man.

While the coming of the Ayrshire Railway impacted Ayr and Ardrossan, the Largs and Millport sailings remained attractive to steamship owners. During the Glasgow Fair, the iron steamer, Queen of Scots, found an opportunity on the Millport station. She had had a mixed career, including a spell on Loch Lomond.

“Reduction of Fares to Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport.—In consequence of the numerous applications to run a steamer to the above watering places, and return the same day, the fast-sailing steam vessel Queen of Scots, Captain Galloway, will, on and after Wednesday first, the 29th instant, and every day thereafter till further notice, commence plying to the above ports at a greatly reduced rate of fare, and return the same evening to Glasgow.—The hours of sailing will be—from Glasgow at half-past 7 morning; from Millport at 3 afternoon, returning to Glasgow about half-past 7 evening.”—Glasgow Herald, July 27, 1840

The Robert Burns and Sir William Wallace also began to call at Millport as well as Largs, directly competing with Victor and Warrior.

“Largs and Millport.—Afternoon boat every day for Glasgow.—In order to accommodate families during the remainder of the season, the Ayr steamer will call at Millport on Monday the 27th July, and every day thereafter on their return  from Ayr to Glasgow, about 12 o’clock noon, and at Largs about half-past 12. It is expected that the Sir William Wallace will shortly ply, of which due intimation will be given.—25th July, 1840.”—Glasgow Herald, July 27, 1840.

There followed a period of intense competition when the fares were lowered.

“Reduced fares.—Victor steamer, for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, every afternoon, at two o’clock. Fares—Cabin 1s.—Steerage, 6d.”—Glasgow Herald, August 3, 1840

“For Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan.—The Victor, every afternoon, at two o’clock.—Fares—cabin, 1s.—steerage, 6d.

“N.B.—At the request of a great many business gentlemen frequenting Largs and Millport, the Victor, on Mondays only, will leave Ardrossan at 5, Millport at 6, and Largs at half-past 6 o’clock a.m.”—Glasgow Herald, August 7, 1840

Excursioners, going and returning on the same day, were the target of the Queen of Scots.

“Reduced fares to Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Millport, and intermediate ports.—The Queen of Scots steamer, Captain Galloway, continues to sail every morning at half-past 7 for the above places, returning in the evening, at greatly reduced fares. Rate of fares from Glasgow, to Greenock, cabin 1s. 0d., steerage, 6d.; to Gourock, cabin 1s. 0d., steerage, 6d.; to Largs, cabin 1s. 6d., steerage, 1s.; to Millport, cabin 1s. 6d., steerage, 1s.

“The same fares will be observed on returning to Glasgow. Passengers going and returning on the same day will only be charged—cabin 2s., steerage, 1s. 6d.—14th August, 1840.”—Glasgow Herald, August 14, 1840

The Nimrod, also joined the fray.

“Reduced fares.—The fast-sailing steamer Nimrod will commence sailing to Largs and Millport on Tuesday next, the 18th instant, calling at Greenock and Gourock. Until further notice she will leave Glasgow every morning at 9 o’clock, and Millport every afternoon. Cabin, one shilling—steerage, sixpence.—Glasgow, 15th August, 1840”—Glasgow Herald, August 17, 1840

“Cheap sailing to Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Millport.—The steamer Queen of Scots (until further notice) will leave Glasgow for the above places, every day at 12 o’clock noon, commencing to-morrow, Saturday, 22d August.—Fares cabin 1s.—steerage, 6d.”—Glasgow Herald, August 21, 1840

Isle of Arran continued her service from Ardrossan to Arran, but her schedule was changed to accommodate the railway timetable.

“The Royal Mail Steam Packet Isle of Arran, to and from Ardrossan and Arran.—To suit the hours of the railway trains, to and from Glasgow and Ayr, at Kilwinning, by the Ardrossan Branch Railway, the steam-packet Isle of Arran sails (weather permitting) from Ardrossan, daily, at ½-past 10 o’clock forenoon, for Brodick and Lamlash; and from Arran for Ardrossan, starting from Lamlash at 3 and Brodick at 4 afternoon.

“In addition to the above, she will sail from Ardrossan to Brodick and Lamlash, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 6 evening; and return from Arran to Ardrossan on the mornings of Thursdays and Mondays, starting from Lamlash at ½-past 5 and from Brodick at ¼-past 6.—Lamlash, 19th August, 1840.”—Glasgow Herald, August 21, 1840

Warrior and Victor also continued sailing to Ardrossan, and to Ayr three times a week. The close association with the Ayrshire Lassie, however, had come to an end.

“Unprecedented cheap sailing, by the swift and splendid steamers Warrior and Victor, for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan—every afternoon at two o’clock. For Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Ayr—every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at half-past nine. Fares.—to or from Ardrossan and intermediate ports—cabin, 1s.; steerage, 6d.—to or from Ayr—cabin, 2s. 6d.; steerage, 1s. 6d.‚Glasgow 3d Sept., 1840.”—Glasgow Herald, September 4, 1840

In the middle of September, the British Association had their meeting in Glasgow and the program included an excursion to Arran to view and understand the recent advances in understanding the geology of the Island. Both the Isle of Arran and Sir William Wallace were engaged in conveying the excursionists and the latter advertised a trip to Ailsa Craig (with liberty to shoot sea birds) in the following days.

“Reduced fares.—The steamer Victor will, after this day, (Monday,) cease plying to and from Ardrossan, but will continue to sail for Largs and Millport, as usual, every afternoon at two o’clock.—Fares—cabin, 1s.—steerage, 6d.—Glasgow, 12th October, 1840”—Glasgow Herald, October 12, 1840

The Ayr steamers, Robert Burns and Sir William Wallace, also continued although the Robert Burns experienced some mechanical problems and required a new boiler that kept her out of operation until the new year.

“Ayr steamers.—Hours of sailing altered.—On and after to-day, (till further notice, (these steamers will sail for Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Ayr, every morning at nine o’clock, (instead of half-past nine as formerly.) fares, &c., to be seen on the boards, and also in the cabins of each steamer.—Glasgow, 31st October, 1840.”—Glasgow Herald, November 2, 1840

“Ayr and Stranraer steamers.—Notice.—On account of the Robert Burns steamer having to undergo necessary repairs, the public are respectfully informed that, till they are completed, the well-known, powerful, and fast-sailing steamer Sir William Wallace will, on Saturday (to-morrow), commence plying in her stead, and will continue to do so every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 9 o’clock morning, till the repairs of the Robert Burns are finished.

“Stranraer.—The Sir William Wallace sails for Stranraer to-morrow (Saturday), and will only ply once a fortnight, on Saturdays, thereafter, till further notice.’—Glasgow Herald, November 27, 1840

In December, it was announced that one of the Ayr steamers would begin trading to Tarbert and Lochgilphead, but this would have to await the return of the Robert Burns.

“New steamer to Tarbert and Lochgilphead.—The proprietors of the Ayr and Stranraer steamer, Robert Burns, and Sir William Wallace, intend plying, at particular request, on the above station, the Sir William Wallace steamer, which arrangements will take place as soon as the repairs of the Robert Burns (which she is now undergoing) are completed, which will be in about three or four weeks. The sailing powers of the Sir William Wallace are well known, therefore shippers and passengers may rely on a speedy conveyance to and from Lochgilphead, Tarbert, and intermediate places, which will be to suit the days of sailing of the maid of Islay steamer at Tarbert.

“Ayr and Stranraer steamers.—The proprietors of the Robert Burns steamer beg to intimate, that as soon as the new boilers and other repairs which the Burns is at present undergoing are completed, she will resume plying on her former station. In the meantime, the Sir William Wallace plys regularly to Ayr every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in her place; and to Stranraer on Saturday the 26th, and every alternate Saturday thereafter. The hours of sailing to Ayr and Stranraer are 9 o’clock morning.”—Glasgow Herald, December 18, 1840

The new arrangements with the Sir William Wallace on the Tarbert station while the Robert Burns continued sailing to Ayr and Stranraer began in March 1841.

“Ayr and Stranraer steamers.—The Sir William Wallace continues to ply regularly to Ayr, Stranraer, (weather permitting,) as formerly. The day of the sailing to Stranraer is Saturday next, 6th instant. As the repairs to the Robert Burns are nearly completed, she will commence plying, instead of the Sir William Wallace, on Tuesday the 10th instant, to Ayr and intermediate places, and to Stranraer on Saturday the 20th instant, and every alternate Saturday thereafter, till April, when she will, as usual, ply every Saturday to Stranraer. The days of sailing to Ayr and intermediate places, are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 9 morning. The Sir William Wallace will, immediately after coming off the Ayrshire station, commence running on the Lochfine one.—Days of sailing to be seen in a future advertisement.”—Glasgow Herald, February 1, 1840

Repairs to the Robert Burns took longer than anticipated.

“Lochfine steamers.—Sir William Wallace, or Robert Burns.—One of the above well-known and powerful steamers will, on Monday, 1st March, commence plying to Tarbert and Lochgilphead, and every Wednesday, Friday, and Monday thereafter, continues plying to the same places, calling at all intermediate ports, till further notice. From the known sailing qualities of these vessels, shippers and passengers may rely on a speedy and comfortable conveyance. The days and hours of sailing will be—from Glasgow, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 6 o’clock, morning.—from Lochgilphead every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at the same hour. For farther particulars apply in Glasgow to Mr James Paul, Office-box, Broomielaw; in Tarbert, to Mr John M‘Larty, merchant; in Lochgilphead, to Mr Blackwood, Ardrishaig.

“Ayr and Stranraer.—One of the above steamers sails regularly every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, for Ayr, at 9 morning, calling at all intermediate places. The days of sailing to Stranraer are Saturday, 6th and 20th March, and Saturday, 3rd April, after which date the day of sailing will be every Saturday.—Glasgow, 24th February, 1841.”—Glasgow Herald, February 26, 1841

Fares on the Ayr steamer were reduced, likely impacted by the competition from the railway.

“Reduction of fares.—Sir William Wallace, or Robert Burns.—To Greenock, cabin 1s., steerage 6d.; to Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, cabin 2s., steerage 1s. 6d.; to Ayr, cabin 3s., steerage 2s. The Ayr and Stranraer steamer leaves Glasgow every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 9; and the Rothesay and Lochgilphead steamers, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 6 morning.”—Glasgow Herald, March 22, 1841.

At the end of March, 1841, the Glasgow, Paisley and Greenock Railway opened, impacting the passenger traffic between Glasgow and Greenock.

Sailings of M‘Kellar’s steamers, Victor and Warrior also began in March. A recognition of the railway competition was a reduction in fares between Glasgow and Greenock.

“Largs and Millport.—On and after Monday the 1st of March, the steamer Victor will leave Glasgow for the above ports, every afternoon at 2 o’clock, and will start from Millport, for Glasgow, every morning at 7.”—Glasgow Herald, February 15, 1841

“Victor and Warrior steamers.—For Largs and Millport, every afternoon at two o’clock. Reduced fares, to Greenock, cabin 1s., steerage 6d.; to Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, cabin 2s., steerage 1s. 6d.—Glasgow, 22d March, 1842”—Glasgow Herald, March 22, 1841

In April, One of Dr James Stevenson’s old wooden steamers, the James Oswald, was purchased by Messrs William M‘Niven & Co. of Glasgow, and began running to Stranraer from Ayr in connection with the railway. She had been built for the Gareloch service in 1834 and had passed to Messrs Robert Napier in the interim.

The Isle of Arran also commenced her season in connection with the trains at Ardrossan.

“The Royal Mail Steam Packet Isle of Arran, will sail, weather permitting, during the month of May next, from Ardrossan to Arran, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at ½-past 12 noon, when the ½-past 10 o’clock train from Glasgow arrives; and from Arran every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, leaving Lamlash at 11 forenoon, and Brodick at 12 noon; and will commence on 1st June, and continue until further notice, to sail from Ardrossan for Arran twice every day, leaving Ardrossan at 10 forenoon and ½-past 6 evening, and Lamlash at ½-past 5, and Brodick at ¼-past 6 morning, and Lamlash at ½-past 2 and Brodick ½-past 3 afernoon.”—Glasgow Herald, April 30, 1841.

On May 21st, it was announced that the Sir William Wallace required “alterations” and the Lochfine service was withdrawn.

“Ayr and Stranraer steamers, Sir William Wallace or Robert Burns.—The Ayr and Stranraer steamer resumed her summer hours on Tuesday last, and intends sailing every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter at half-past 9 morning, for Ayr and intermediate places; and for Ayr and Stranraer to-morrow (Saturday), and every Saturday morning at half-past six.Passengers leaving by the railway train on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Glasgow to Greenock at 10 o’clock, will be in sufficient time for the steamer at that place; and on Saturday morning, the Stranraer steamer will wait at Greenock the arrival of the 8 o’clock railway train from Glasgow.—The steamer will also wait the arrival at Ayr of the half-past 12 o’clock train from Glasgow, to accommodate those parties going to Girvan, Ballantrae, and Stranraer.

“Shippers and passengers are respectfully informed that none of the above vessels start from the new wharf, as no goods are allowed to be shipped there, consequently they sail from the place formerly occupied by the steamers.

“N.B.—The Lochfine steamers will be ready in a few days. For particulars, apply to Mr Paul, Box Office, Broomielaw; or at the Bute store.”—Glasgow Herald, June 4, 1841

The new wharf referred to, was the Broomielaw Wharf that was opened at Glasgow Bridge in the middle of May, 1841, and steamers from there were taking their time from St Enoch’s clock. Victor and Warrior were among the steamers that sailed from there and almost all reduced fares (cabin 1s.; steerage, 6d.) to Greenock.

“Warrior and Victor steamers sail from Glasgow Bridge.—For Largs and Millport—Victor, every forenoon at half-past 10, (returning to Glasgow in the evening.) For Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, Warrior, every afternoon at 2 o’clock.

“N.B.—Passengers from Glasgow by the 12 and 3 o’clock trains will be in time for these steamers at Greenock.—Glasgow, 1st June, 1841.”—Glasgow Herald, June 4, 1841

Largs Fair on Tuesday 15th June saw Victor leaving at ½-past six in the morning with train connection at Greenock. The Sir William Wallace, presumably after her repairs sailed at ¼-before 8 in the morning with the Robert Burns at her usual time.  The following week was Brodick Fair on Tuesday and Robert Burns ran from Ayr and Ardrossan in the morning to Brodick with the Kilwinning Band on board.

Arran service from Ardrossan again ran in connection with the Ardrossan Railway.

“The Royal Mail Packet Isle of Arran commenced on 1st June, and will continue during the summer months, (weather permitting,) to sail betwixt Ardrossan and Arran, twice every lawful day, viz.:—From Ardrossan, at 10 o’clock forenoon, and half-past 6 evening, for Brodick and Lamlash. From Lamlash for Brodick and Ardrossan at half-past 5 o’clock morning, and at half-past 2 afternoon. From Brodick and Ardrossan at a quarter-past 6 o’clock morning, and at half-past 3 afternoon. These hours of sailing suit the railway trains both to and frem Glasgow, &c.—Arran, 26th May, 1841.”—Glasgow Herald, June 18, 1841.

At the beginning of July, the fate of the Ayr and Stranraer steamers began to become clear. The Robert Burns was withdrawn and was sold to owners on the south coast of England.

“Ayr and Stranraer steamers, The proprietors of the Robert Burns steamer respectfully beg leave to intimate to their friends and the public, that the Robert Burns has discontinued sailing to the above ports. Due intimation will be given when another vessel will ply in her stead—Glasgow, 2d July, 1841.”—Glasgow Herald, July 2, 1841

Robert Burns found familiar fleet-mates on the South Coast.

“Regular and rapid communication for goods and passengers by South-Western Railway and first-class steam-ships to all parts of the West of England.

“Plymouth and Davenport (calling it Torquay).On and after Monday the 16th instant, the Commercial Company’s fast and splendid steamship, Robert Burns, Capt. T. S. Russell, will leave Portsmouth and Southampton every Monday and Thursday, returning from Plymouth and Devonport every Wednesday and Saturday.

“Torquay and Dartmouth direct.—The City of Glasgow will, on and after the above day, leave Southampton every Wednesday and Saturday for the above places, returning from thence every Tuesday and Friday.

“Plymouth and Falmouth.—One of the Commercial Company’s steam-ships will run daily between these ports, the particulars of which will be announced in a few days.

“Weymouth from Southampton.—The Edinburgh Castle, Capt. Barry, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon.

“Goods will be received and forwarded for the undermentioned places from Hambro’ Wharf, Upper Thames-street; Spread Eagle Office; Regent-circus; the Station, Nine Elms; and from the Company’s Office, No. 17 Fish-street-hill, for Weymouth, Torquay, Totness, Dartmouth, Plymouth, Devonport, Stonehouse, and all places adjacent.”—Morning Advertiser, August 7, 1841

The Sir William Wallace also did not resume her sailings to Tarbert and Loch Fyne. She was sold to owners on the Thames where she was employed sailing from Gravesend to Boulogne.

Almost in an instant, the intense competition had disappeared and perhaps this should have been a time for the M‘Kellars to consolidate their gains. For the remainder of the year, the Victor and Warrior plied to and from Largs, Millport and Ardrossan with a near monopoly. They did take steps to ensure that they ran in connection with the railway, but it was the calm before the storm.

“Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Railway Company,—Largs trade.—On Saturday next, the 24th instant, and each alternate Saturday, till further notice, passengers for Largs will be in time, if leaving Glasgow by the 4 o’clock down train, instead of by the 3 o’clock train. The Warrior steamer wait their arrival at Greenock.—By order.—Greenock, 23d June, 1841.”—Glasgow Herald, July 23, 1841,

The Victor also ran in coordination with the railway train leaving Glasgow at noon. The up connections were the 9.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. from Greenock.

“Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Railway Company,—Alteration of Largs hours.—On and after Monday, the 264th instant, the Victor steamer will wait the arrival of the 10 o’clock down train, instead of the 12; and return from Largs for the half-past 4 up train, instead of the half-past 6.

“The 4 o’clock hour each alternate Saturday, advertised for the Warrior, is now discontinued, and the boat will take the passengers from Greenock by the 3 o’clock down train from Glasgow.”—Glasgow Herald, August 13, 1841

Frustrations with the late arrival of trains and the leisurely gait of passengers making their way from the Railway Station to Greenock Quay, soon put paid to the idea of the steamer waiting for long at Greenock.

“Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan Steamers.—Hour of Sailing altered.—The steamer Warrior continues to sail as usual from Glasgow Bridge for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, every afternoon, at 2 o’clock. But, on and after Monday first, the Victor will sail for Largs and Millport, every morning at half-past 8 o’clock (instead of half-past 10, as at present.)

“Passengers by the 10 o’clock and 3 o’clock trains from Glasgow will be in time to join these steamer at Greenock; but in no day in the future by the 4 o’clock train—the practice of waiting occasionally for it being now discontinued.—Glasgow, 12th August, 1841.”—Glasgow Herald, August 13, 1841

In September, the season began to wind down and the M‘Kellar steamers dropped the Ardrossan call.

“Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan Steamers.—The steamers Warrior and Victor continue to sail for Largs and Millport, every morning at 9 o’clock, every afternoon, at 2. The afternoon boat proceeds to Ardrossan, but after this week will discontinue doing so, and sail for Largs and Millport only.—Glasgow, 15th September, 1841.”—Glasgow Herald, September 17, 1841

Isle of Arran had three sailings a week.

“The Royal Mail Packet, Isle of Arran, will sail (weather permitting,) on and after the 6th October next, and until further notice, from Ardrossan to Arran, on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 12 o’clock noon; and from Arran for Ardrossan, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, leaving Lamlash at 11, and Brodick at 12 o’clock noon.—Arran, 30th September, 1841.”—Glasgow Herald, September 30, 1841.

Largs and Millport sailings also dropped to three a week.

“Largs and Millport.—On and after Friday next, the 22d instant, the steamer Victor will commence plying to and from the above ports, only three times a week (instead of daily as at present), and will sail from Glasgow Bridge every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, forenoon—hour of sailing to be seen on the boards.

“N.B.—There will be no boat from Glasgow on Wednesday first, but the Warrior will sail, for Largs and Millport, on Thursday morning, at half-past 7 o’clock, returning to Glasgow in the evening.—Glasgow, 18th October, 1841.”—Glasgow Herald, October 18, 1841

Towards the end of the year, the Warrior was chartered to the Board of Excise, Dublin. She returned in the spring of 1842 but was eventually purchased. This left Victor as the Largs and Millport stalwart. A single steamer to cover this important trade, even in winter, seems a little reckless. In the event of a breakdown, there was no boat to cover her absence.

“The steamer Victor sails for Largs and Millport every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, at eleven o’clock.—Glasgow, 16th, December, 1841”—Glasgow Herald, Decenber 17, 1841.

In the new year, 1842, Isle of Arran went for her annual overhaul.

“The Royal Mail Packet Isle of Arran.—In consequence of her going to Glasgow for her annual repairs, on the 28th instant, this vessel will not run betwixt Arran and Ardrossan for a short time after said date. Her place will, however, be taken by a good sailing packet, which will sail from Ardrossan to Arran (weather permitting) on Tuesdays and Saturdays, immediately after the arrival at Ardrossan, of the railway train, which leaves Glasgow at ½ past 10 a.m.—Lamlash, 17th January, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, January, 21, 1842

A single-steamer daily service to Largs and Millport resumed at the end of February.

“Daily conveyance to Largs and Millport.—On and after Monday, the 28th inst., the steamer Victor will sail from Glasgow for the above ports, every afternoon at two o’clock.—Glasgow, 17th Feb., 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, February 18, 1842

An article in the Glasgow Herald in February noted that a new iron steamer was in the course of construction for the Largs and Millport trade.

“We have learned that a new iron steamer is in course of construction under the auspices of an influential company, for the Largs and Millport station. It is the intention of her owners to make her a first-rate vessel, and she will open up a daily communication between these beautiful watering-places and this city. To the inhabitants of Largs and Cumbray a boat devoted specially to their accommodation must be a valuable acquisition, while a fast and commodiously fitted up vessel, sailing at particular hours and performing her voyages with regularity, must be highly desirable to visitors.”—Glasgow Herald, February 18, 1842

Having finished the previous season in control of the Largs and Millport trade, Messrs M‘Kellar advertised for an additional investor. A share-holder retired, and with opposition in the offing, doubtless, new capital was needed. The Warrior had been on charter at Dublin but had returned to the Clyde for the early part of the season in time for Victor’s annual overhaul. She returned to Irish waters in August, again on charter, and remained there till the end of the decade.

It seems that Messrs M‘Kellar missed an opportunity to invest in a new steamboat at this point. The Warrior was on charter and it may be that a replacement would have to await her sale.

“Steam-boat shares for sale.—On sale.—The fourth-part of the well-known steamers the Warrior and the Victor as they now sail on the Ardrossan and Largs station. These vessels are both nearly new, of first-rate speed, and in the best order; they have a most respectable connexion, have been always well conducted, and are now profitably employed on the above station, which they exclusively occupy, and are sold with the good-will of the trade, solely on account of the proprietor retiring from ship-owning. Apply to the proprietor, Mr James Fleming, Cowcaddens; Mr T Barclay, 67 Buchanan Street; or to Messrs Hamilton & Brothers, Broomielaw.—Glasgow, 24th March, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, March 25, 1842

The Victor had an overhaul in April, fortunately with Warrior to cover for her, and was ready for the season early in May.

“Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan Steamers.—The steamer Warrior sails for Largs and Millport, every afternoon, at two o’clock. The Victor is at present undergoing a thorough repair and extensive improvements. She will be finished in a very superior manner—in every respect equal to new. Both these fine steamers will be placed on the above station early next month.—Glasgow, 20th April, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, April 22, 1842

The summer schedule had the Warrior on the morning sailing from Millport, returning from the Broomielaw at 2 o’clock, while the Victor took the excursion from the Broomielaw at 10.30 a.m., returning in the afternoon.

“Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan Steamers.—Summer arrangements, commencing on Thursday first, the 12th instant.—The steamers Warrior and Victor will sail from Glasgow Bridge, for Largs and Millport, Victor, every morning, at ½-past 10 o’clock; for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, Warrior, every afternoon, at 2 o’clock.

“The Victor has just been completely repaired both in engine and hull, at great cost—made, in fact, quite a new boat; and though always very fast, has now had her speed accelerated even beyond its former maximum.

“The Warrior is well-known on the station as a fine new steamer of great power and speed, and affording to passengers the most splendid accommodation.—Glasgow, 9th May, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, May 9, 1842

A ferry call for the Largs steamboats was arranged at Inverkip.

“Inverkip.—Passengers will be landed from, or put on board of, the Largs steam boats passing this village to, or from, Glasgow during the season. Several commodious lodgings to let in the Village.—Rents moderate.—Inverkip, 11th May, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, May 16, 1842

Isle of Arran began her season at the end of April, after her overhaul.

“The Royal Mail Steam Packet Isle of Arran, will sail (weather permitting), during the month of May next, from Ardrossan to Arran, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at half-past 12 noon, when the half-past 10 o’clock train from Glasgow arrives; and from Arran every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, leaving Lamlash at 11 forenoon, and Brodick at 12 noon; and will commence on 1st June, and continue until further notice, to sail from Ardrossan for Arran twice every day, leaving Ardrossan at 10 forenoon and half-past 6 evening, and Lamlash at half-past 5, morning and 4 afternoon; and Brodick at a quarter-past 6 morning, and 5 afternoon.—Lamlash, 20th April, 1842”—Glasgow Herald, April 25, 1842

From the beginning of June, she began sailing twice daily.

“The Royal Mail Steam Packet Isle of Arran, will commence, on 1st June, and continue (weather permitting), to sail twice every day between Ardrossan and Arran, leaving Ardrossan, daily, at 10 forenoon, and half-past 6 evening; and Lamlash at half-past 5 morning and 4 afternoon, and Brodick at a quarter-past 6morning, and 5 afternoon.—Lamlash, 30th May, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, June 3, 1842

One of the Castle Company’s steamers was also scheduled to restart and Arran connection.

“Notice.—On or about the 7th May, one of the Castle Company’s steamers will sail for Greenock, Gourock, Dunoon, and Rothesay, at 4 o’clock afternoon. The one o’clock steamer will proceed to Arran on Wednesday the 11th May, and every Wednesday and Saturday thereafter, till further notice.—J. M‘Arthur, Manager, 29th April, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, May 2, 1842

Ayrshire Lassie began sailing three days a week; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, to Ardrossan and Ayr with goods and passengers, returning on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Saturday sailing was later extended to Stranraer.

“Ayrshire Lassie, Captain Hunter, sails every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 9 morning, for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Ayr. Apply to Hamilton, Brother & Co., 240, Broomielaw Quay.”—Glasgow Herald, April 28, 1842.

“Pleasure trip from Ayr to Stranraer, on Saturday next, the 4th June, at four o’clock, afternoon.—By desire of a number of respectable parties in Ayr and neighbourhood. The Ayrshire Lassie, Captain John Hunter, will sail on Saturday from Ayr to Stranraer (weather permitting) immediately after her arrival from Glasgow; returning from Stranraer early on Monday morning.

“Sails as usual from the Lower Quay, Glasgow, to Ayr, on Saturday morning at 9, calling at Greenock, Largs, Milport, Ardrossan, and Ayr.—Hamilton, Brother & Co., 240 Broomielaw Quay, Glasgow.—Glasgow, 2d June, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, June 3, 1842

“For Greenock, Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Ayr.—The Ayrshire Lassie, Captain Hunter, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 9 morning; and for Stranraer every Saturday morning, at the same hour (until further notice), calling at Girvan and Ballantrae, and at all the above ports, returning from Stranraer early on Monday morning.—Apply to Hamilton, Brother & Co., 240 Broomielaw Quay, Glasgow”—Glasgow Herald, June 10, 1842

There was a new competitor sailing to Ayr and Stranraer. This was the Lochryan, purchased by owners in Stranraer and likely to draw off trade to the town from Ayrshire Lassie.

“Notice.—The New Steam Shipping Company of Stranraer intend placing one of their steamers on the Ayr station, sailing twice a-week, leaving Stranraer for Ayr on Mondays and Thursdays, commencing Monday first, the 13th inst.—Hours of sailing to be given in a future advertisement.—Stranraer, 8th June, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, June 10, 1842.

In mid-June it was announced that the Ayrshire Lassie would not sail to Stranraer on Saturdays until further notice. Lochryan began sailing to Ayr and Stranraer on Saturdays at 6 am from the Broomielaw under the agency of Alex Laird & Sons, 101, Union Street on 9th July.

By traveling from Glasgow on the Ardrossan Railway, connecting with the Isle of Arran steamer, a pleasant day excursion could be arranged, taking in one of the cruises up or down the Arran coast, and arriving back in Glasgow in the evening.

“Pleasure excursion to Ardrossan & Arran.—On Saturday first, July 30, parties will be conveyed by the Ayrshire and Ardrossan Railway Companies, and by the Isle of Arran steamer, to Brodick, Lamlash, and Lochranza, leaving the Ayrshire railway station, Glasgow, at ½-past 7 morning, and returning from Lamlash at 4, and Brodick at 5 afternoon, in time for the train for Glasgow, which leaves Ardrossan at a ¼-past 7 evening.

“Fares, from Glasgow to Arran:—first class carriage and cabin, 7s; second class carriage and cabin, 5s.—Ayrshire Railway Station, Glasgow, July 29, 1842”—Glasgow Herald, July 29, 1842

“The Royal Mail Packet, Isle of Arran, will, weather permitting, after the 20th inst., and till further notice, sail daily from Ardrossan at 10 o’clock, for Brodick and Lamlash, and return to Ardrossan in the afternoon, leaving Lamlash at 4, and Brodick at 5 o’clock; and in addition to the above, she will on Saturdays, sail at half-past 6 o’clock evening, from Ardrossan to Brodick and Lamlash; and on Mondays, from Lamlash at half-past 5, and Brodick at a quarter past 6 morning, for Ardrossan.—Lamlash, 8th August, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, August 12, 1842

In June, the heralded new iron steamer for the Largs and Millport trade had been launched at the new shipbuilding yard of Messrs Barr and M‘Nab on the right bank of the Cart in Paisley. She was named Lady Brisbane by Miss Barr, sister of one of the builders. The weather was beautiful, and a great crowd of people witnessed the launch. Her length over all was 140 feet; length of keel, 123 ft. 6 ins.; breadth of beam, 18 ft.; depth of hold, 9 ft. 3 ins.; engines, about 70 h.p.; diameter of cylinder, about 4 ft.; stroke, about 3 ft. 9 ins. On her trial trip a few weeks later, she was found to be capable of fifteen miles an hour, making her one of the fastest vessels on the river.

“The new and swift steam packet, Lady Brisbane, sails from Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport, calling at all intermediate ports, during the Glasgow Fair week, commencing to-morrow (Tuesday), at ¼-past 3 afternoon, and every day thereafter at the same hour. The Lady Brisbane will leave Millport at 8, and Largs ¼-before 9 morning. The steamer will wait the arrival of the 4 o’clock Greenock train from Glasgow, and parties coming from Millport, Largs, etc., wishing to take the Glasgow train at Greenock, will be in sufficient time for the half-past 10 o’clock train for Glasgow.—Glasgow, July 11, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, July 15, 1842

Lady Brisbane

The response of the M‘Kellar’s was immediate. To tighten the schedule, the ferry call at Invekip was dropped, and fares to Largs and Millport were reduced. In addition, the time of Warrior’s sailing on the three days she did not continue to Ardrossan, was changed to match that of the Lady Brisbane.

“Notice.—The boatman who takes passengers to, and lands them from, the several steam boats passing this village, will not attend the steam boat Victor after this date.—By order of the Committee of Management.—Inverkip, 23d July, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, July 25, 1842

“Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan steamers, Warrior and Victor. Reduced fares.—to Largs and Millport, cabin 1s. 6d.; steerage, 1s.—to Ardrossan, cabin, 2s.; steerage, 1s. 6d.

“The splendid new steamer Warrior sails for Largs and Millport every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon, at ¼-past 3; and for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoon, at 2 o’clock.

“The fine steamer Victor continues to sail for Largs and Millport every morning at half-past 10, returning to Glasgow in the evening.—Glasgow, 29th July, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, July 29, 1842.

Advertisements for the Lady Brisbane in the Glasgow Herald gloried in their new status, and the intention to add a second steamer as consort. They reduced the fares to Largs and Millport even further.

“The new steamer Lady Brisbane.—Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan.—The above splendid and swiftest steam packet on this station, sails this day (Friday) and every day thereafter till further notice, from Glasgow Bridge at two o’clock, afternoon, for Greenock, Gourock, Innerkip, Wemyss Bay (or New Glasgow), Largs, Fairley, Millport, and Ardrossan.

“Fares.—from Glasgow cabin 1s. 6d, steerage 6d.; from Greenock cabin 1s. 6d, steerage 6d.

“The Lady Brisbane will wait the arrival at Greenock of the three o’clock afternoon train from Glasgow,—and will leave Ardrossan in the morning, calling at the above ports at an early hour, to suit the trains at Greenock in the morning.

“Goods carried to and from the above places at a very moderate rate, and every attention paid to the comfort of passengers in landing and embarking at the various calling places.

“It is the intention of the proprietors of the Lady Brisbane to have a new steamer, as consort, ready early next season.—September 2, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, September 2, 1842

At the end of August, the Warrior left to continue her charter at Dublin. It would seem that the experiment with two funnels, boilers fore and aft of the machinery, was not a success. Warrior was longer than Victor by around 30 feet but was likely heavy in the bow that would have limited her speed in the competitive business on the Clyde. The Victor remained to fend off her faster competitor on the morning run from Millport and the afternoon sailing from Glasgow. Matters were not helped when a Paisley poet brought out a doggerel verse lauding the Lady Brisbane.

The temperature of the advertising rhetoric between the rival companies rose after there was a rumour that implied that the Lady Brisbane and Victor steamers were somehow linked. Victor brought forward her sailing hours from Glasgow from the traditional two o’clock to a quarter before one o’clock to lessen the competition. Fares were also reduced.

“Hour of sailing changed.—The fine, swift, and safe steamer Victor, sails from Glasgow Bridge for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, every afternoon, precisely at three quarters past twelve o’clock. Passengers by the two o’clock train from Glasgow will be in time to join the Victor at Greenock. Fares—cabin, one shilling—steerage, sixpence.

“N.B.—Goods conveyed to Largs and Millport at one-half of former rates.

“Observe, no connection with the Lady Brisbane steamer.”—Glasgow Herald, September 5, 1842

The Lady Brisbane owners replied with a jibe about Victor being and old boat. Lady Brisbane now claimed the regular 2 o’clock hour of departure.

“The new and swift steam packet Lady Brisbane sails from Glasgow Bridge for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, every afternoon at two o’clock, till further notice, calling at all intermediate ports, as formerly advertised.

“It having been stated that the Lady Brisbane and Victor were connected, the proprietors beg to intimate that such is not the case. The Lady Brisbane is a new, swift and first-class steamer, and the Victor an old one. The public at the same time are respectfully informed that it is the intention of the proprietors to start another new steamer as consort to the Lady Brisbane early next season

“Fares.—from Glasgow cabin 1s. 6d, steerage 6d.; from Greenock cabin 1s. 6d, steerage 6d. Every attention is paid to passengers, and goods are carried at the very lowest rate.”—Glasgow Herald, September 5, 1842

The owners of the Victor then insinuated that the speed of the Lady Brisbane was due to dangerously high boiler pressure, a reference to the explosion of the Telegraph steamer at Helensburgh in March which was attributed to the high-pressure locomotive boilers. Two new consorts, if necessary, were promised. Fares for cabin passengers and goods were further reduced.

“Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan Steamer.—The fine, swift, and safe steamer Victor, continues to sail from Glasgow Bridge for the above ports, every afternoon at ¾ past 12. Fares—cabin one shilling—steerage, sixpence. Goods carried at one-half of former rates.

“N.B.—No connexion with the Lady Brisbane “new steamer” tho’ she be, “and the Victor an old one,” as the opposition advertisement has it. As to being old, the Victor has certainly been known on this station long enough fairly to establish her character for safety as well as swift sailing, and requires to use no extra or dangerous pressure for this latter purpose. Besides,—not only “another new steamer,” but two of them (if requisite) to ply in concert with Victor, will be started in due season.—Glasgow, 9th Sept., 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, September 9, 1842

The Lady Brisbane faction replied by commissioning a report on the safety of the boilers of the steamer.

“The new and swift steam packet Lady Brisbane sails from Glasgow Bridge for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, every afternoon at two o’clock, till further notice, calling at all intermediate ports, as formerly advertised.

“Fares.—from Glasgow cabin 1s. 6d, steerage 6d.; from Greenock cabin 1s. 6d, steerage 6d. Every attention is paid to passengers, and goods are carried at the very lowest rate.

“Notice to the public.—In consequence of the unfounded insinuations thrown out by the party connected with a rival steamer, regarding the speed of the Lady Brisbane, and that she is sailed on an unsafe principle, the proprietors of that vessel consider it both due to themselves, and for public safety, to disabuse the public mind against those assertions which have been so liberally poured forth by their opponents, and in doing so beg leave to say that a report has been drawn up to-day, but too late for publication, by two eminent engineers of this city, who have inspected the vessel, which will be made public on the earliest opportunity.—Glasgow, September 8, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, September 9, 1842

The next issue of the paper, contained the statements from the engineers.

“The new and swift steam packet Lady Brisbane sails from Glasgow Bridge for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, every afternoon at two o’clock, till further notice, calling at all intermediate ports, as formerly advertised.

“Fares.—from Glasgow cabin 1s. 6d, steerage 6d.; from Greenock cabin 1s. 6d, steerage 6d. Every attention is paid to passengers, and goods are carried at the very lowest rate.

“Notice.—In consequence of the unrivalled speed of the new steamer Lady Brisbane, insinuations have been thrown out that she was on an unsafe principle. The proprietors of that vessel, therefore, consider it both due to themselves, and for public safety, to refute such unfounded statements, and beg leave to lay the following report, by two eminent engineers of this city, before the public, allowing them to judge:—

“To the Managing Partner of the Lady Brisbane steamer.

“Sir,—At your request we have examined the Lady Brisbane steamer’s boiler. We are certain that it is wrought on the low pressure principle, and that she is perfectly safe with the pressure the boiler is wrought with.—We are, Sir, Your very obedient servants, David Smith (Smith & Rodger, Lancefield),William Napier, Sen. (Washington Street).—Glasgow 8th September, 1842”—Glasgow Herald, September 12, 1842

The response of the M‘Kellar faction was to declare, if not victory, then equality.

“Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan.—The fine, swift, and safe steamer Victor, continues to sail from Glasgow Bridge for the above ports, every afternoon at ¾ past 12. Fares—cabin one shilling—steerage, sixpence. Goods carried at one-half of former rates.

“Notice.—In consequence of the well-known speed and safety of this fine steamer, unfounded insinuations have been thrown out against her by the party or “managing partner” connected with a rival Company, in the very silly announcement that theirs is “a new steamer, and the Victor an old one.” The proprietors of the Victor have now to submit that any report on this subject (even by eminent engineers) is altogether uncalled for—(the public having already, by their decided preference and support, declared the Victor to be still, at least, equal to any other boat on the station!—Glasgow, 15th September, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, September 16, 1842

The Lady Brisbane owners also called a truce.

“The new and swift steam packet Lady Brisbane sails from Glasgow Bridge for Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, every afternoon at two o’clock, till further notice, calling at all intermediate ports, as formerly advertised.

“Fares.—from Glasgow cabin 1s. 6d, steerage 6d.; from Greenock cabin 1s. 6d, steerage 6d.

“The Lady Brisbane waits the arrival at Greenock of the three o’clock afternoon train from Glasgow,—leaving Ardrossan the following morning, calling at all the above ports, and arriving at an early hour, to suit the train at Greenock in the morning to Glasgow.

“Every attention is paid to passengers, and goods are carried at the very lowest rate.

“Observe.—No connection with the Victor steamer, and no attention paid hereafter to the attempted wit of the managing partner, ‘tho’ he be,’ of that vessel.”—Glasgow Herald, September 16, 1842

On a more somber note, when the much-respected surgeon, Dr. Cairnie, of the Curling Hall, Largs, died on the 27th of October, the Lady Brisbane offered free passage to the curling enthusiasts and others attending his funeral. Capturing the trade of the local population who would use the steamer year-round, was important for business.

“The late Dr Cairnie of Curling Hall—Our last number contained the painful though perhaps not unexpected, announcement of the death of Dr Cairnie, which took place, at a green old age, at his residence, Curling Hall, Largs. He was a man who has gone to his last account with the love and esteem of the entire community of that sweet marine retreat where, after a life of activity and usefulness, he had pitched his tent. By every curler his memory will be held in veneration, for, full of manly enthusiasm himself, he did more to elevate and excite the popular feeling in favour of the “roaring play,” than any man of his times, and “Cairnie’s rinks” are familiar as household words to every night of the broom and channel-stane. We understand that several of the members of the Curling Societies in this and other neighbourhoods have resolved to evince their respect by attending Dr Cairnie’s funeral; and it is gratifying to state that the proprietors of the Lady Brisbane steamer, with the view of “throwing a stone to the cairn” of their departed friend have announced that all who proceed to Largs on the sorrowful mission will be carried down and brought back to Glasgow free of charge.”—Glasgow Herald, October 31, 18442.

The Ardrossan to Arran service dropped to three sailings a week as the season wound down.

“The Royal Mail Steam Packet Isle of Arran will sail, (weather permitting,) after the 8th October next, and till further notice, from Ardrossan to Arran, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at ½-past 12 noon, when the ½-past 10 o’clock train from Glasgow arrives; and from Arran to Ardrossan every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, leaving Lamlash at 11 forenoon, and Brodick at 12 noon.—Lamlash, 29th September, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, October 3, 1842

“The Royal Mail Steam Packet Isle of Arran will sail, (weather permitting,) after the 12th instant, and till further notice, from Ardrossan to Arran, every Tuesday and Saturday, at ½-past 12 noon, when the ½-past 10 o’clock train from Glasgow arrives; and from Arran to Ardrossan every Monday and Thursday, leaving Lamlash at 11 forenoon, and Brodick at 12 noon.—Lamlash, 4th November, 1842.”—Glasgow Herald, November 7, 1842

The new year saw early advertisements for the improved service to be brought about when the Lady Kelburne would enter service. The owners of the Victor, laid-up in the early part of the year for annual overhaul, could only look on with dread.

“We have learned that a new iron steam boat is in the course of construction, under the auspices of an influential company, for the Largs and Millport station. It is the intention of her owners to make her a first-rate vessel, and she will open up a daily communication between these beautiful watering places and this city. To the residents in Largs and Cumbray, a boat devoted specially to their accommodation must be a valuable acquisition, while a fast and commodiously fitted up vessel, sailing at particular hours, and performing her voyages with regularity, must be highly desirable to visitors.”—Glasgow Herald, February 18, 1843

“Largs, Millport, Arran, &c.—Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne.—The swift steam-packet Lady Brisbane continues sailing, as usual, from Glasgow Bridge, every day at 2 o’clock afternoon, waiting at Greenock the arrival of the 3 o’clock train from Glasgow.

“For the better accommodation of parties during the summer season, the Glasgow, Paisley, Largs, and Millport Steam Packet Company intend placing, on the same station, a new steamer, to be called the Lady Kelburne, when, in addition to plying to Largs and Millport, as at present, one of the above will proceed to Arran. The hours of sailing by the Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne will then be:—From Glasgow for Largs and Millport, at 9 morning and 2 afternoon, Mondays excepted, when one of the above will leave only at 2 afternoon; and on Saturdays there will be an extra run from Greenock to suit late passengers. On Monday mornings one of the above will sail at an early hour from Millport and Largs, thus enabling people in business, and others, to leave at a late hour on Saturday afternoon, and returning at an early hour on Monday mornings. From Greenock, for Largs and Millport to suit the 10 o’clock morning and 3 o’clock afternoon trains from Glasgow. For Arran from Glasgow, every afternoon at 2 o’clock. From Arran, Millport, & Largs, at an hour to suit those wishing to proceed by the railway trains. In all probability, the 9 o’clock steamer will call at Ardrossan.—March 24, 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, March 24, 1843

Victor returned to service in March.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamer.—The fine, swift, and well-known steamer Victor, Captain M‘Kellar, will re-commence plying on Wednesday the 29th instant, leaving Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport, every afternoon at three-quarters-past 12.—Cabin, 1s. 6d.; Steerage, 1s.

N.B.—The days of sailing to Arran, also any future change of hours or fares, will be duly advertised.—Glasgow, 27th March, 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, March 27, 1843

Lady Brisbane offered excursions early in the year.

“Pleasure excursion to Brodick, &c.—The swift steam-packet Lady Brisbane, will, on Thursday first, 6th April, at half-past 7 morning (instead of 2 afternoon, her regular hour to Largs and Millport), sail from Glasgow Bridge on a pleasure trip to Brodick, (Island of Arran,) calling at Largs, Millport, and intermediate places, going and returning, sailing round Lesser Cumbrae. Fares for whole day’s sailing, cabin, 2s. 6d.; steerage, 1s. 6d.”—Glasgow Herald, April 3, 1843

Victor again changed her departure time from Glasgow to eleven o’clock in the morning, perhaps attempting to attract some excursionists.

“Largs and Millport.—Change of hour.—The fine swift steamer Victor, Captain M‘Kellar, sails for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, every forenoon at eleven o’clock, returning to Glasgow, in the evening. Fares—cabin, 1s. 6d.; steerage, 1s.; to passengers going and returning same day, cabin, 2s.; steerage, 1s. 6d.

“N.B.—The Victor waits at Greenock the arrival of the twelve o’clock train from Glasgow.”—Glasgow Herald, April 14, 1843

The new Lady Kelburne was launched at the beginning of April, 1843, by Messrs Barr and M‘Nab. Her length was 150 feet; beam, 18 feet; diameter of paddle wheels, 18 feet; engines, about 90 h.p. She was 10 feet longer than Lady Brisbane and had a more powerful engine.

“Paisley.—Launch of a steamer.—At half-past four o’clock on Wednesday, the new iron steamer, Lady Kelburne, was launched from Abercorn slip. Though the morning was lowering, it cleared up during the early part of the day, and the fairness of the weather induced many thousands to attend. The preparations were skillfully made, and the steamer seemed as willing to get on her own element, as her constructors where to put her there, for the moment the shores were clear, she began to move, and, amid the wavings of caps, hats, and handkerchiefs, the cheering voices of many thousands, and the booming of minor canon, she received her name, and glided easily and gracefully into the river. Finely as the Lady Kelburne looked on her the slip, she looks much better afloat, and reflects much credit on Messrs Barr and M‘Nab, the builders, and the other artists engaged in her construction. She will form a most fitting colleague to her swift consort the Lady Brisbane; and as her boiler, engines, and fittings of all descriptions, are in a forward state, she will very soon be ready to ply. We regret to learn that an accident, which proved rather serious, occurred shortly after the launch. On the riverbank, near the spot of launching, a small swivel had been placed to aid in the salutes to be given. This piece had been fired off some eighteen or twenty times during the day; but on charging it for the last time, there were a few ounces of fine priming powder left over. This was very inconsiderately added to the ordinary charge, which, being thus increased, proved too much for the piece to withstand; so that, when the match was applied, the breach of it was completely blown out, and the other part of it shattered to fragments. Two young men who stood near, were struck with the fragments; one of them was but slightly hurt, and was able to walk home, but the other was struck forcibly on the ribs by a piece of the broken metal, weighing a few pounds, and suffered rather severely. Some of the fragments of the swivel were blown to the Renfrew railway on the one side, and into the river on the other, and the wonder is great indeed that no person was killed. We are glad to add that the young man so severely injured is in a fair way of recovery, though still seriously ill. The one that was least hurt, has, we regret to say got rather worse.—Paisley Advertiser.”—Glasgow Herald, April 10, 1843

“Serious accident.—On Wednesday afternoon last week, and immediately after the launch of the Lady Kelburne, one of the small canons stationed on the bank of the river opposite Carlile quay, when discharging its last rejoicing shot, burst at the breach, in the midst of the crowd of spectators. Two young gentlemen who were standing close by the gun (Mr. Muir of the Town-Clerk’s Office, and Mr. Smith, engineer Broomlands) were both struck on the chest with the fragments. Mr. Muir was carried off the ground for dead, but afterwards rallied, and although he still lies in considerable danger, hopes are entertained of his gradual recovery. Mr. Smith was able to walk home, but he has been worse since, but not to an extent which precludes the hope that in a short time he will also be recovered from the unexpected danger he has been placed in.—Renfrewshire Reformer.”—Perthshire Advertiser, April 20, 1843

A poem, written at the launch is of interest.

The marine architects used by Messrs Barr & M‘Nab were the Denny brothers, and it is to their credit that the builders owed much of their success. Iron shipbuilding was still very much in its infancy, the main proponents on the Clyde being Messrs Tod & Macgregor, and Messrs Robert Napier, together with Messrs Barr & M‘Nab on the Cart. William Denny had been responsible for the design of the Royal George and Princess Royal from Messrs Tod & Macgregor and in 1842 was the manager of the Govan yard of Robert Napier where he was joined by his brother Peter. Another brother, Alexander Denny, was responsible for the Royal Victoria, Lady Brisbane and now the Lady Kelburne from the Paisley yard. When Willam Denny left the employment of Messrs Napier at the end of 1842, Peter joined Alexander at Paisley. In 1844, the brothers set up their own yard at Dumbarton.

Lady Kelburne at Millport

In the meantime, the Isle of Arran was due for her annual overhaul, and the owners of the Lady Brisbane explored the opportunity left by her absence.

“As the Isle of Arran leaves this on Wednesday the 26th inst., for Glasgow, to get her annual repairs, her place, during her absence—which is not expected to be for more than 10 or 12 days—will be supplied by a good sailing packet. The days and hours of sailing will be the same as at present.—Arran, 17th April, 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, April 21, 1843

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran.—To accommodate those going from Ardrossan to Arran, the swift steam-packet Lady Brisbane, which sails daily at two o’clock to Largs and Millport, will on Saturday, 6th May (or on the first Saturday after the Isle of Arran steamer is withdrawn off the station to undergo repairs, and every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday thereafter, till they are completed), sail from Glasgow to Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran, returning from Arran to Glasgow the following morning by the same route.

“As soon as the Isle of Arran resumes her station, the Lady Brisbane will cease plying by Ardrossan to Arran; but the Lady Brisbane, or new steamer Lady Kelburne, will then ply from Glasgow to Largs and Millport, from thence direct to Brodick and Lamlash, at two afternoon, returning to Glasgow the following morning—the other steamer sailing for Largs and Millport at nine morning—both waiting at Greenock the arrival of the train from Glasgow. (See former advertisements.)”—Glasgow Herald, April 24, 1843

Victor continued to provide service to the inhabitants of the Cumbraes..

“Largs and Millport.—The fine swift steamer Victor, Captain M‘Kellar, continues to sail from Glasgow Bridge every forenoon at 11 o’clock, except on Thursday first, the 27th instant, when she is engaged to attend an extensive sale of farm stock at Porteye, Island of Meikle Cumbrae. On that day only the Victor will leave Glasgow for Largs and Millport at six o’clock morning calling at all the intermediate ports, and returning in the evening at an hour to suit parties attending said sale.—Glasgow 24th April, 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, April 24, 1843

The Ayr Railway advertised its seawise connections in the Clyde.

“To Arran.—The Royal Mail Steam Packet, Isle of Arran, will, in a few days, ply between Ardrossan and Brodick and Lamlash, and passengers will be conveyed at the following moderate rates, viz.—Between Glasgow and Brodick or Lamlash, by first-class carriage and cabin, 5s.; by second-class carriage and cabin, 3s. 6d.—Between Paisley and Brodick or Lamlash, by first-class carriage and cabin, 4s. 6d.; by second-class carriage and cabin, 3s.

“To Girvan and Campbeltown.—The Queen of Scots steamer has been advertised to sail from Ayr to Girvan and Campbeltown, every Wednesday and Saturday, and from Campbeltown and Girvan to Ayr, every Monday and Friday, in connection with the trains. Passengers by this route will be conveyed in about half the time currently occupied. For fares and further particulars, apply at the railway station, Glasgow, where tickets will be issued.”—Glasgow Herald, April 28, 1843.

Lady Kelburne made her debut when she left the Cart on the 15th of May, bedecked with flags, amid great rejoicing. It was reported that she steamed the 18 miles from Largs to Greenock in an hour and ten minutes in slack water with the tide rather against her. Her reputation as the fastest steamboat on the Firth was quickly established.

“Pleasure trip to Campbeltown, from Glasgow, Greenock, Largs, and Millport.—The Lady Brisbane will leave Glasgow Bridge (weather permitting) at 5 o’clock morning, on Friday, 3d June, meeting the Lady Kelburne at Largs, when a change of passengers will take place with each vessel, the Lady Brisbane returning to Glasgow with the passengers from Millport, &c., and the Lady Kelburne proceeding direct to Campbelton, where 3 hours’ time will be given to view the place, the steamer returning to Glasgow by the same route in the evening; conveying passengers from Millport and Largs to Greenock and Glasgow free of any charge. Fares—to and from Campbelton, going and returning, cabin 5s.; steerage, 3s. 6d.—Glasgow, May, 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, May 29, 1843

Isle of Arran returned after her overhaul, but it appears that she needed some more substantial repairs that were undertaken the following month.

“Cheap and expeditious travelling between, Glasgow, Paisley, and Arran, by the Ayrshire and Ardrossan Railways, and the Royal Mail Steam Packet, Isle of Arran.—This well-known steamer having undergone a thorough repair, with new boilers, &c., has resumed plying between Ardrossan and Arran, and will, until further notice, leave Ardrossan for Brodick and Lamlash, every morning after the arrival there of the ½-past 7 train from Glasgow, Paisley, &c., and will return from Lamlash at ½-past 3, and Brodick at ½-past 4, reaching Ardrossan in time for the ¼-past 8 train to Glasgow.

“Passengers are booked for Arran at the Railway Stations in Glasgow and Paisley, at the following reduced fares, viz.:—Between Glasgow and Arran, by first-class and cabin, 5s. 0d.; Between Glasgow and Arran, by second-class and cabin, 3s. 6d.; Between Paisley and Arran, by first-class and cabin, 4s. 6d.; Between Paisley and Arran, by second-class and cabin, 3s. 0d.—Glasgow, 29th May, 1843”—Glasgow Herald, May 29, 1843

Lady Brisbane helped out on the Ardrossan to Arran route while Isle of Arran was out of action.

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran.—Owing to the repairs which the Isle of Arran steamer is about to undergo, and to accommodate parties going from Glasgow and Ardrossan to Arran, the swift steam-packet Lady Brisbane will, on Saturday first, and every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday thereafter (till the isle of Arran resumes her station), sail from Glasgow Bridge, at two o’clock afternoon, for Arran, via Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, returning from Arran on the mornings of Wednesday, Friday, and Monday, by the same route;after which the Lady Brisbane, or new steamer Lady Kelburne, will sail direct from Glasgow to Brodick and Lamlash, by Largs and Millport only, waiting on return, the half-past 10 trains from Greenock to Glasgow, leaving Millport at 8, and Largs ½ before 9 morning.

“The hours of sailing by these steamers will then be:–From Glasgow for Largs and Millport at 9 morning and 2 afternoon, Mondays excepted, when one of the above will leave only at 2 afternoon; and on Saturdays there will be an extra run from Greenock to suit late passengers. On Monday mornings one of the above will sail at an early hour from Millport and Largs, thus enabling people in business, and others, to leave at a late hour on Saturday afternoon, and returning at an early hour on Monday mornings. From Greenock, for Largs and Millport, to suit the 10 o’clock morning and 3 o’clock afternoon trains from Glasgow. For Arran from Glasgow, every afternoon at 3 o’clock. From Arran, Millport, & Largs, at an hour to suit those wishing to proceed by the railway trains.

“In all probability the 9 o’clock steamer will call at Ardrossan.–May, 1843.”–Glasgow Herald, May 5, 1843

Lady Brisbane at Millport

Other steamers made occasional forays into the territory

“Pleasure sailing.—On Saturday, 10th June, at half-past 7 a.m., the steamer Shandon will proceed to Brodick, in Arran, calling at Helensburgh, Gourock, and Dunoon, and will lie at Arran for a considerable time, arriving in Greenock in time for the half-past seven o’clock train in the evening. Fares from Glasgow to Arran and back to Greenock, cabin 3s. 6d.; steerage, 3s.; intermediate fares same as formerly.

On Saturday, 17th, and Monday, 19th June, at half-past seven a.m., she will repeat her Arran trip.—Thomson & Macconnell, 15 Jamaica Street.—Glasgow, 15th May, 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, May, 29, 1843.

On May 26, it was announced that the Isle of Arran would recommence her sailings in June.

“Cheap and expeditious travelling between, Glasgow, Paisley, and Arran, by the Ayrshire and Ardrossan Railways, and the Royal Mail Steam Packet, Isle of Arran.—This well-known steamer having undergone a thorough repair, with new boilers, &c., has resumed plying between Ardrossan and Arran, and will, until further notice, leave Ardrossan for Brodick and Lamlash, every morning after the arrival there of the ½-past 7 train from Glasgow, Paisley, &c., and will return from Lamlash at ½-past 3, and Brodick at ½-past 4, reaching Ardrossan in time for the ¼-past 8 train to Glasgow.

“On Saturdays, the Isle of Arran will also leave Ardrossan after the arrival of the ½-past 4 p.m. train from Glasgow; and on Monday mornings will return from Lamlash and Brodick in time for the ½-past 8 train to Glasgow.

“Passengers are booked for Arran at the Railway Stations in Glasgow and Paisley, at the following reduced fares, viz.:—Between Glasgow and Arran, by first-class and cabin, 5s. 0d.; Between Glasgow and Arran, by second-class and cabin, 3s. 6d.; Between Paisley and Arran, by first-class and cabin, 4s. 6d.; Between Paisley and Arran, by second-class and cabin, 3s. 0d.—Glasgow, 29th May, 1843”—Glasgow Herald, June 2, 1843

Victor changed her sailing hours.

“Largs and Millport.–Hours of sailing changed.—The fine steamer Victor, Captain M ’Kellar, from Glasgow Bridge every afternoon at three-quarters past twelve o’clock, leaving Millport for Glasgow every Monday at three-quarters past six, and Largs at half-past seven o’clock.

“Passengers by the two o’clock train from Glasgow will be in time to join the Victor at Greenock; and passengers from her will be landed at Greenock for the half-past nine train.–Glasgow, 7th June, 1843.”–Glasgow Herald, June 9, 1843

The owners of the Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne were relishing their position.

“Largs Fair.—The swift steam-packet Lady Kelburne will, on Moday afternoon, 10th current, sail from Glasgow Bridge, at two o’clock, for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport; after which she will proceed to Brodick and Lamlash, returning from Brodick at half-past 8, and Lamlash at 8 o’clock, the following morning (Tuesday), to accommodate parties wishing to attend Largs Fair.

“The Lady Brisbane will sail, on Tuesday morning, at half-past 7 o’clock (instead of 9), from the Glasgow Bridge, to accommodate those wishing to attend Largs Fair. She will afterwards proceed to Millport and Rothesay, on a pleasure trip, returning by same route, to Glasgow in the evening.”—Glasgow Herald, June 9, 1843

The company promised another new steamer.

“Glasgow, Largs, Millport, and Arran swift steam packets Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne.—The Lady Kelburne sails regularly every day, at 2 afternoon, from Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport, calling at intermediate places; and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, she proceeds direct from Millport to Brodick and Lamlash, returning from Lamlash, Brodick, Millport, and Largs, at an hour earlier than formerly advertised, commencing on Monday first.

“Arrangements are at the same time in progress for running one of the above steamers daily to and from Arran, of which due notice will be intimated.

“The Lady Brisbane sails on Mondays at a quarter-past 11 morning; and on Saturday at 9, and half-past 3 afternoon, from Glasgow Bridge, leaving Millport on both days as formerly advertised. Occasional pleasure trips round the Cumbraes, Brodick, Rothesay, &c., &c., will be given every day in fine weather by the 9 o’clock morning steamer to Largs and Millport, Saturdays excepted.

“As the Company intend expanding their trade, a new steamer will be ready early next season.

“Brodick Fair.—To accommodate parties wishing to attend Brodick Fair on Tuesday the 27th instant, the swift steam packet Lady Kelburne will, on Monday afternoon 26th inst., sail from Glasgow Bridge at 2 o’clock, (her usual hour,) for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Millport, and Brodick. On the following morning, Tuesday 27th, the Lady Brisbane, instead of sailing at 9, will leave Glasgow bridge at 4 morning, calling at Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan; from thence direct to Brodick, returning by the same route in the evening to Glasgow; thus accommodating parties going and returning the same day. Every information connected with the sailings of the above steamers may be had by applying at the Landing Box, Glasgow Bridge, or 419, Argyle Street. Fares moderate.—Glasgow 20th June, 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, June 23, 1843

The Victor had little alternative but to reduce fares, and appeal to the common populace.

“Sailing for the Million!—Largs, Millport and Arran!!!—The steamer Victor sails for Largs and Millport every afternoon at a quarter before one o’clock. Also on and after Saturday first—for Brodick, Island of Arran, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at same hour. The Victor awaits at Greenock the arrival of the two o’clock train from Glasgow. Greatly reduced fares.–To Largs and Millport, cabin, one shilling; steerage, sixpence.–To Brodick, cabin, one shilling and sixpence; steerage, one shilling.–Glasgow, 27th June, 1843.”–Glasgow Herald, June 30, 1843

Lady Kelburne and Lady Brisbane matched the fares.

“For Largs and Millport from Glasgow Bridge.—Those splendid, powerful, and swift steam-packets, Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne will sail every morning at a quarter-past eleven o’clock and every afternoon at two, commencing on Monday morning 3d July, except on Saturdays when one of the vessels will sail at nine morning to suit the arrangements previously advertised of three runs on Saturdays and Mondays. One of the packets sails every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at two o’clock for Brodick and Lamlash, returning on Wednesday, Friday, and Monday mornings. Fares to Largs and Millport, cabin, 1s 6d—steerage 0s 6d; to Arran, cabin, 1s 6d—steerage, 1s 0d. Every day this week, the morning hour will be nine o’clock. The forenoon boat attends at Greenock the twelve o’clock train from Glasgow, and the two o’clock boat the 3 o’clock train. On Saturday, the morning boat attends the ten o’clock train from Glasgow.

“As the Company intend extending their trade, a new steamer will be ready early next season.—Glasgow, 27th June, 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, June 30, 1843

Interest in travel to Arran was also promoted by the Ardrossan Railway.

“Cheap and expeditious travelling between, Glasgow, Paisley, and Arran, by the Ayrshire and Ardrossan Railways, and the Royal Mail Steam Packet, Isle of Arran.—This well-known steamer having undergone a thorough repair, with new boilers, &c., has resumed plying between Ardrossan and Arran, and will, until further notice, leave Ardrossan for Brodick and Lamlash, every morning after the arrival there of the ½-past 7 train from Glasgow, Paisley, &c., and will return from Lamlash at ½-past 3, and Brodick at ½-past 4, reaching Ardrossan in time for the ¼-past 7 train to Glasgow.

“On Saturdays, the Isle of Arran will also leave Ardrossan after the arrival of the ½-past 4 p.m. train from Glasgow; and on Monday mornings will return from Lamlash and Brodick in time for the ½-past 8 train to Glasgow.

“Passengers are booked for Arran at the Railway Stations in Glasgow and Paisley, at the following reduced fares, viz.:—Between Glasgow and Arran, by first-class and cabin, 5s. 0d.; Between Glasgow and Arran, by second-class and cabin, 3s. 6d.; Between Paisley and Arran, by first-class and cabin, 4s. 6d.; Between Paisley and Arran, by second-class and cabin, 3s. 0d.—Glasgow, 31st May, 1843. Passengers’ luggage conveyed free both by railway and steamer. The luggage is taken alongside the steam-boat quay at Ardrossan by the Company’s servants and put on board the steamer free of expense.”—Glasgow Herald, June 30, 1843

“Isle of Arran steamer.—In addition to her usual daily trips to and from Arran and Ardrossan, the Isle will, after this date, leave Ardrossan for Arran on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at ½-past 6 o’clock evening, on the arrival of the ½-past 4 train from Glasgow and return to Ardrossan on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, leaving Lamlash at ½-past 5, and Brodick at ½-past 6 morning, and arriving at Ardrossan in time for the ¼-past 8 o’clock train to Glasgow.—Lamlash, 1st July, 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, June 30, 1843

The owners of the Victor reduced the fares whereby a steerage passenger from Millport to the Broomielaw could travel for threepence. They also lamented the state of affairs, with a dig at their rivals, and promised a new steamer of their own.

“Sailing for the Million!—Largs, Millport and Arran!!!—The steamer Victor sails for Largs and Millport every afternoon at one o’clock. For Brodick, Island of Arran, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at same hour. The Victor waits at Greenock the arrival of the two o’clock train from Glasgow. Greatly reduced fares.–To Largs and Millport, cabin, one shilling; steerage, sixpence.–To Brodick, cabin, one shilling and sixpence; steerage, one shilling. The Victor returns from Millport and Largs every morning–Hours of sailing to be seen on the boards. Fares to Glasgow, cabin, sixpence; steerage, threepence. Freights reduced to one-half the usual rates.–Glasgow, 7th July, 1843.

“The proprietors of the steamer feel deeply grateful for the very liberal support they have all along enjoyed on this station; and being at this moment about to contract for a new steamer they beg to announce their fixed resolution to continue to accommodate the public permanently with swift and splendid conveyances at very moderate rates. The owners of the Victor are aware that passengers do not thank them for sailing at the present almost nominal fares–much less sailing occasionally at no fares are all! At the same time it may be best for all parties concerned–owners as well as passengers–that this system be continued for one season at least. In the meantime the Victor proprietors are not at all apprehensive of not getting a full share of the trade even in the face of the present grasping and bare-faced attempt at monopoly by other parties.

“This company never persecutes or annoys passengers with personal solicitations or importunities to go by their boats,—never charges higher fares than advertised,—and, above all, never outrages public decency by publishing scurrilous and disgusting placards, in the silly but vain attempt to disparage other rival steamers. A specimen of such dirty work, however, may be seen any day on board the Victor.”—Glasgow Herald, July 7, 1843

The fierce competition continued into the Glasgow Fair.

“Glasgow, Largs, Millport, and Arran by the swift steam-packets, Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne.—The Lady Brisbane sails every day from Glasgow Bridge, at a quarter-past eleven forenoon for Largs and Millport, returning in the evening, Saturdays excepted, when she sails at 9 morning, and ½-past 6 afternoon. Fares–cabin, 1s; steerage, 6d.

“The Lady Kelburne sails every day at 2 afternoon, for Largs and Millport, calling at the intermediate places; and on the Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, she proceeds direct from Millport to Brodick and Lamlash. Leaving Lamlash early the following mornings for Glasgow, via Brodick, Millport, Largs, and intermediate places. Fares—To Largs and Millport, cabin, 1s; steerage, 6d. The 9 o’clock boat waits the 10 o’clock train at Greenock; the ¼-past 11 o’clock boat the 12 o’clock train; and the 2 o’clock boat the 3 o’clock train at Greenock. One of the above will sail daily throughout the winter season.”—Glasgow Herald, July 10, 1843

Again the Victor proprietors had something extra to convey.

“Sailing for the Million!—Largs, Millport and Arran!!!—The steamer Victor sails for Largs and Millport every afternoon at one o’clock. For Brodick, Island of Arran, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at same hour. The Victor waits at Greenock the arrival of the two o’clock train from Glasgow. Greatly reduced fares.–To Largs and Millport, cabin, one shilling; steerage, sixpence.—To Brodick, cabin, one shilling and sixpence; steerage, one shilling. The Victor returns from Millport and Largs every morning–Hours of sailing to be seen on the boards. Fares to Glasgow, cabin, sixpence; steerage, threepence. Freights reduced to one-half the usual rates.—Glasgow, 11th July, 1843.

“Observe! This company never persecutes or annoys passengers with personal solicitations or importunities to go by their boats,—never charges higher fares than advertised,—never cringingly begs public favour in Summer, by ostentatiously boasting what they will do in Winter–and, above all, never outrages public decency by publishing scurrilous and disgusting placards, in the silly but vain attempt to disparage other rival steamers. A specimen of such dirty work, however, published and circulated by another party, may be seen any day on board the Victor.”—Glasgow Herald, July 14, 1843

Other steamers occasionally ventured into the area with excursions.

“Cheap pleasure sailing. The steamer Dumbarton Castle, Captain Wilson, will sail from the lower end of the Broomielaw, on Saturday first, the 15th at 6 o’clock morning, for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, Troon, and Ayr, landing passengers at all the places in going down and calling in returning to Glasgow in the evening. Fares for the day’s sailing–cabin, 2s 6d; steerage, 2s.”—Glasgow Herald, July 14, 1843

Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne changes their hours to lessen the competition with Victor.

“Glasgow, Largs, Millport, and Arran by the swift steam-packets, Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne.—Alteration of the hours of sailing of the Lady Brisbane. On and after Tuesday 15th instant, until further notice, the Lady Brisbane will sail from Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport, every day at 9 o’clock a.m., in place of ¼-past 11 as at present, returning in the evening except on Saturdays and Mondays, when the hours of sailing on these days will be—Saturdays 9 morning and ¼ past 6 afternoon, leaving Millport at an early hour on the Monday morning for Glasgow, and on the Mondays—at ¼-past 11 a.m. from Glasgow.

“The Lady Kelburne continues to sail every day at 2 p.m. for Largs and Millport, calling at the intermediate places, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, she proceeds direct from Millport to Brodick and Lamlash—leaving Lamlash early the following mornings, via Brodick, Millport, Largs, and intermediate places to Glasgow.

“The down boats will wait at Greenock the trains from Glasgow as follows:—The 9 o’clock boat the 10 o’clock train; the ¼-past 11 o’clock boat the 12 o’clock train; and the 2 o’clock boat the 3 o’clock train. The up boats will be in Greenock to suit the trains thus:—the 6 o’clock boat from Millport on Monday mornings will suit the ½-past 8; train the ¼ to 7 boat the ½-past 9 train; and the afternoon boat the ½-past 5 train, every day except on the Mondays. Fares same as formerly advertised.”—Glasgow Herald, August 11, 1843

In an announcement in the Glasgow Herald, the proprietors of the “fine favourite steamer, Victor” and Warrior stated that they had contracted for a new steamer which was already in an advanced state of construction and would be on the station the next year. The Warrior was sold to Dublin owners in 1844.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamer.—New hours and days of sailing.—On and after Monday 1st the 18th inst., the fine favorite steamer Victor, Captain M‘Kellar, will sail from Glasgow Bridge for Largs, Millport, Brodick, and Lamlash, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at half-past ten o’clock forenoon, returning on the alternate days, and sailing from Lamlash about eight o’clock morning, calling at the above ports. Reduced fares to or from Largs and Millport, cabin, 1s; steerage, 6d; to or from Brodick and Lamlash, cabin, 1s 6d; steerage 1s.

“N.B.—The Victor, having now undergone a complete overhaul, will sail for this week only on Friday and Saturday at her former hour, one o’clock.—Glasgow, 14th September, 1843”—Glasgow Herald, September 15, 1843

“Glasgow, Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers, Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne.—The Lady Brisbane will sail from Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport, tomorrow, Saturday, at 9 o’clock morning, and ¼ past 6 afternoon evening. The season being now so far advanced, the Saturday evening boat will be discontinued after Saturday the 23d instant. In making this announcement the proprietors of these very swift steamers beg leave to thank the inhabitants and visitors of these delightful watering places for their encouragement to the above vessels. The steamers will continue (till farther notice) to sail from Glasgow Bridge as follows:—The Lady Brisbane, every morning at 9 o’clock, for Largs and Millport, returning same evening. The Lady Kelburne, every afternoon at 2 o’clock, for Largs and Millport, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays proceed to Brodick and Lamlash, and return the following morning leaving Lamlash at 6 o’clock, and be at Greenock in time for the half-past ten o’clock train for Glasgow.—15th September, 1843”—Glasgow Herald, September 15, 1843

The quest for speed among the River Clyde steamboats was not restricted to the Largs and Millport trade. In the early part of the year, William Napier of the engineering firm Messrs James & William Napier, built an iron paddle steamer to demonstrate their prowess in this department. The Engineer was 150 feet in length by 17½ feet in the beam with a steeple engine of 100 h.p., fed by four boilers, exhausting into two funnels, one fore, and one aft of the paddle boxes. Her trial trip was in June and ended in a bit of a disaster with a break-down in Rothesay Bay.

Engineer

“Trial trip of the Engineer steamer.—The beautiful new steamer Engineer, Captain Chalmers, made her first trial trip on Monday last. The result showed her to be one of the swiftest vessels afloat; and but for an accident which occurred to part of the machinery, the trip would a have been in the highest degree successful. The vessel left the Broomielaw precisely at 10 minutes to seven a.m, with a large party of gentlemen on board, and gaily decorated with flags. The morning was dull and cloudy, with a stiff breeze, but on the whole, the weather was not unfavourable. Down the river we proceeded in gallant style, firing an occasional gun, and being greeted here and there with a hearty hazza. After passing Dumbarton Castle, with the town reposing under the smoke of its early fires, the morning began to look brighter, and we clipped our way through the widening basin of the Clyde, in a manner which showed that we were on board of no ordinary craft. At 25 minutes past eight we arrived at Greenock, having completed the distance of 23 miles in the short space of one hour and 35 minutes!

“After leaving Greenock, an exciting contest took place between the Engineer and Flambeau, the latter also a very rapid sailer. For some time we were exactly neck and neck, or rather bowsprit and bowsprit, the Flambeau keeping close alongside from having got into the draught of the Engineer. As neither would yield, the result was a collision and entanglement, which somewhat damaged both vessels. Having been busily engaged below at the moment, we could not tell which party was to blame. The Engineer, however, having shaken herself free, darted off with an air of triumph, the Flambeau giving chase for some time, but at length abandoning the contest, the distance between the two vessels being observed gradually to widen.

“The day was now wakening up. Streaks of blue sky were visible, and dashes of sunlight relieved the sombre hue of the mountains; while the waves rolled their white tops in sportive chase along the green bosom of the sea. Passing the Cloch Light-house close on our left, we directed our course toward Toward Point, and reached the bay of Rothesay exactly two hours and three-quarters after leaving Glasgow; thereby manifesting a degree of speed which has rarely been surpassed. After passing the mouth of Loch Striven, where we experienced a heavy jumble of sea, the cross head of the air pump broke, in consequence, it was believed, of the wingwale having been pressed in by the Flambeau. As this accident could not be immediately repaired, the steam was blown off, and, after lying at anchor for a short time, we were towed into Rothesay by one of the Castle steamers returning from Inverary. The Engineer was built by Mr William Napier, and is of an exceedingly handsome mould. She has four boilers and two funnels, and is constructed on a principle of the greatest safety. We understand she is intended to ply between Glasgow and Kilmun.—Glasgow Citizen.”—Caledonian Mercury, June 19, 1843

Others were more critical of the design, claiming that she was unsound mechanically and that her massive haystack engine was a mere appendage of the boilers for which Messrs James and William Napier were patentees.

“The Glasgow correspondent of that useful monthly periodical, the Artizan says, “a somewhat extraordinary iron craft has been recently got up by Messrs James and William Napier, the patentees of the well-known tubular marine boiler. It affords an example of a very common procedure in the Clyde—an attempt to drive a boat by mere dint of engine power, just as one would drive sixpenny nails; and certainly a pile driver could scarcely pay less attention to the form of the solid of least resistance its shaping the shods for his piles, than what the designers of this vessel, yclept the Engineer, seems to have shown. The name of this steamer certainly indicates the desire of appearing connected or identified, in some way, with the famous Engineer of Mr. David Napier, as well known, perhaps better, as “the twenty-mile-an-hour-boat;” but we are rather disposed to derive its etymology on the lucus a non lucendo principle. The engine is a very monstrous variety of the steeple engine; instead of the usual method of a bow cross head and connecting rod, working into a strong crank pin to connect the two paddle-shafts firmly together, two long side rods, only connected together by a very slight staywork, each its respective crank and paddle-wheel, so that if a sea should chance to strike one of the paddles when the engine is on the centre, there is nothing to prevent it twisting the whole working gear, and breaking down the engine. Mr Robert Napier has nearly completed a magnificent iron steam ship for the Aberdeen and London trade, and one of a smaller size for the south of Ireland trade. Mr Napier has engaged the services of the eminent naval draughtsman, Mr. Denny, of Dumbarton, whose designs are so favourably well known to the public in the Princess Royal, Royal George, Royal Victoria, and the various iron vessels built by Messrs Todd and Macgregor. We trust we shall hear no more, after this, of iron boat building being “appended as a codicil to the requirements of the boiler maker, or selected as a promising field to display the abilities of some tyro of the engineering profession.” Messrs. Barr and M‘Nab, Paisley, have recently started the swiftest and one of the most beautiful boats on the Clyde—the Lady Kelburne, an iron steamer, to match with the Lady Brisbane, built last summer. The Lady Kelburne steamed from Largs to Greenock, a distance of 18 miles, in an hour and ten minutes, slack water, and tide rather against her. The Emperor, another iron boat, built a few days ago by Messrs. Todd and Macgregor, was launched on Monday, without any of her machinery on board, and steamed down the water the Friday following”—Herapath’s Railway Journal, July 1, 1843

Engineer was placed on the Rothesay station, sailing from Glasgow Bridge at 10 a.m., returning in the evening, though on Saturdays, she returned earlier and had a second evening run to Rothesay, returning at 6.30 a.m. on Monday mornings. As anticipated by the Glasgow correspondent of the Artizan, she had a major machinery breakdown in the season, but this was remedied, and she continued to impress with her speed.

“Dunoon, Kilmun, and Rothesay.—The new and swift steamer, Engineer, Capt. Chalmers, sails regularly from Glasgow Bridge, at 10 morning, for Rothesay, returning in the evening, calling both going and returning, at Greenock and Gourock.

“Notice.—On and after this date, the Engineer will cease plying, till further notice, on Saturday evenings to Rothesay, and also, from Rothesay, early on Monday mornings.—24th August, 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, September 15, 1843

In September, as trade was slackening, Messrs Napier of the Engineer and Messrs Young of the Lady Kelburne agreed on a race between the two vessels on a wager of £100.

“Match between the Lady Kelburne and Engineer steamers.—This intended trial of speed, which has excited so much attention of late, is now decided upon, and is to take place on Wednesday, the 4th of October, starting from Greenock at eight o’clock, morning, rounding Ailsa Craig, and returning to the place of starting. In order to avoid collision, it has been amicably arranged that the Engineer is to have five minutes’ start of the Kelburne, the same to be deducted at the end of the match. The match is for £100 a side, and was harmoniously agreed to by both parties.—Scottish Guardian.—We have reason to know that the above match is at present exciting great interest, in consequence of the respective steamers being iron boats, of equal power and dimensions, viz.—About 140 feet keel by 18 feet beam, with single, upright, condensing engines; the distance to be run is allowed to be 146 miles, and it expected to be steamed over at the rate of seventeen miles per hour. The Lady Kelburne is built by Barr and M‘Nab, engineers, of Paisley; and the Engineer by William Napier, sen., engineer, of Glasgow.”—Morning Post, September 25, 1843

The stakes were deposited with the editor of Bell’s Life; the course for the race was between a buoy at the Tail of the Bank, round Ailsa Craig and back. On the day of the race, the Lady Kelburne came forward, but the Engineer, citing an engine breakdown, did not appear, and consequently her owners forfeited the stakes. The Lady Kelburne completed the course on her own, and timing of the steamer to various points of the course was recorded by one of those on board:—

“The Engineer and Lady Kelburne.—The intended trial of speed between the Engineer and the Lady Kelburne was prevented by the engine of the former breaking down a few days previous to the appointed time, being the third and most serious breakdown that the Engineer has yet accomplished. Whether this proceeding was prompted by a self-sacrificing zeal for the good of trade, or a disinterested determination to avert the stigma from the Artizan of being a false prophet, has not yet transpired. But, as one of the most objectionable parts of the engine was amended after the second catastrophe, we believe the present ‘‘reversement” is at least rather to be considered as an accident than a blunder. Whatever be the character of the machinery, we believe the great point aimed at by the makers—speed—has been attained.

“The Lady Kelburne ran the course on the day appointed, rounding Ailsa Craig, and returning to Greenock, a distance of 113 miles, in a heavy sea, and head wind out and in, in 8 hours and odd few minutes, being at the rate of 14 miles per hour. The same vessel, steamed from Brodick Bay, Arran, to the Broomielaw, encountering an impetuous flood on the river, in 4 hours 20 minutes, the distance being 60 miles.”—Artizan, 1843

The Engineer was lengthened over the winter and returned to the Rothesay station the following year.

“The new and swift-sailing steamer Engineer will commence plying upon Monday first, the 22d inst. between Glasgow and Rothesay, calling at Greenock. Gourock, Kilmun, and Dunoon; leaving Glasgow at 10 o’clock morning; and returning from Rothesay at 3, and Greenock 5 o’clock afternoon.—Glasgow, 20th April 1844.”—Glasgow Citizen, April 20, 1844

“To pleasure parties and others.—Engineer steamer, Captain P. Chalmers.—This new and well-known swift-sailing steamer sails every morning at 10 o’clock, from Glasgow Bridge, to Rothesay, calling ay Greenock, Gourock, Kilmun, and Dunoon, and returning the same evening, calling at the above places. Glasgow, 1st June, 1844.”—Glasgow Citizen, June 1, 1844

Mechanical problems continued to plague the Engineer.

“Engineer steamer.—In consequence of a slight accident to the paddle shaft of the Engineer steamer, she will be prevented plying on her usual station for two or three days. Due notice will be given when she resumes.”—Glasgow Citizen, July 15, 1844.

“Notice.—The Engineer steamer will cease plying for the season, on and after Monday the7th inst.”—Glasgow Citizen, October 5, 1844

Engineer was offered for sale.

“For sale by private bargain, the swift and powerful new iron steamer Engineer, elegantly fitted up in all her departments; of the following dimensions:—length of keel 160 feet, length of deck 168 feet, breadth of beam 18feet, breadth over paddle boxes 34 feet, depth 8 feet, registered tonnage 68 62/106 tons, carpenter’s measurement 201 34/100 tons. The boat has been plying for the season on the River Clyde, between Glasgow and Rothsay and intermediate ports, and is the fastest and most favoured on the station, her speed averaging from 15 to 16 miles per hour; she is fitted up with an upright engine, having a cylinder 54½ inches diameter with 4½ feet stroke and four patent tubular boilers; there is a spare space of 13½ feet at the ends of each set of boilers, capable of being converted into holds. The engine and boilers are as good as new, having only been used nine months.—Apply in London, to Mr. Alexander Gordon 22 Fludyer-street, Westminster; in Leith, to Mr. William Ringhorne, builder; in Glasgow to Mr. William Napier, snr., 30 Washington-street who will afford intending purchasers any further information necessary; or to David MacIver & Co., Liverpool.”—Gore’s Liverpool General Advertiser, February 6, 1845

She remained unsold on the Clyde for the early months of 1845, and did not enhance her reputation when she failed to keep up with gig-boats in a race.

“Gig race on the Clyde.—On Saturday evening the long-talked-of race between the gigs Jim Brown and Tempest for £20 came off on the river, the heat being from Renfrew Wharf to the Fishers’ Hut, a little below the Broomielaw Quay, a distance of five miles and half. It being Saturday, and the evening fine, a vast concourse of spectators assembled on the occasion. Both banks of the river down to Govan were crowded, while the south bank from Govan to Renfrew, was also well lined with pedestrians, anxious to have a view of the competitors. The Engineer steamer, which was announced to start for Renfrew, and follow the boats upwards, was crowded from stem to stern, and, we understand, had upwards of a thousand passengers on board, all eager to witness the contest. From the circumstances of the crews and boats being pretty equally matched, and the knowledge that this contest was virtually for the championship of Scotland, an unusual interest was felt as to the result. About eight o’clock, Mr. Thomas Gray, who acted as Commodore, ordered the boats to be in readiness, and a few minutes afterwards the start was given, and the way they went in grand style. The Tempest shot a-head, and notwithstanding every exertion on the part of their opponents, gradually gained upon them, and kept the lead to the end—the Jim Brown having given in about a quarter of a mile from the winning flag. The Tempest accomplished the distance in 42 minutes—a task of no ordinary exertion, when it is considered that it was done not only against the tide, but against a fresh breeze on the river. Both boats displayed most exciting pulling. The Engineer followed in the wake of the boats, but from the immense number of passengers she carried, was unable to keep up with them, and was left far behind, to the disappointment of her numerous company. We understand that the Jim Brown has already given a challenge for a return match on the same terms, to be run for on the Gareloch.”—Glasgow Chronicle, July 2, 1845

Later in the year, Engineer was moved to the Mersey and was to be found sailing between Liverpool and the North Wales coast.

Meanwhile, Lady Kelburne returned to her more mundane tasks.

“Largs and Millport Station.—Those swift steamers the Lady Kelburne and the Lady Brisbane sail this day (Friday) respectively at nine and two o’clock, from the Broomielaw, for Largs and Millport, and will do so every day till farther notice. The two o’clock boat sails every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to Arran. Passengers by the 10 o’clock or 3 o’clock down trains will be in time at Greenock for either of the boats.—October 13 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, October 13, 1843

“The Royal Mail steam packet, Isle of Arran, will sail (weather permitting) on and after Saturday the 14th instant, and till farther notice, from Ardrossan to Arran, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at half-past 12 noon, when the half-past 10 o’clock train from Glasgow arrives; and from Arran for Ardrossan, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, leaving Lamlash at 11 forenoon, and Brodick at 12 noon. Arran, 7th Oct., 1843.”—Glasgow Herald, October 13, 1843

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.—The Victor continues to sail for Largs, Millport, Brodick, and Lamlash every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at ½-past 10 o’clock. Reduced fares as formerly advertised.—Glasgow 20th October 1843”—Glasgow Herald, October 20, 1843

For her annual overhaul, Victor had no steamer to cover for her absence.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.—The Victor being about to undergo a thorough overhaul in her hull and machinery, has now discontinued plying till further notice. The splendid new steamer Invincible, a consort for the Victor, is to be launched in a few days, and will start in the course of a week or two afterwards.—Glasgow, 27th November, 1843”—Glasgow Herald, November 27, 1843

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.—One of the swift-sailing boats, the Lady Brisbane or Lady Kelburne sails every day at two o’clock, from the Glasgow Bridge, for Largs and Millport, and on the Saturdays for Arran, at the same hour. One of the boats will continue to sail as above, daily, during the winter, weather permitting.”—Glasgow Herald, December 8, 1843.

The new year began with the Lady Kelburne exploring Messrs Young’s old haunts to Stranraer.

“Pleasure trip to Stranraer.—The powerful and swift-sailing steam-packet Lady Kelburne, Capt. Houston, (who formerly sailed the Robert Burns on the Stranraer station,) will on Tuesday the 6th February next (weather permitting), sail from Glasgow Bridge at 7 o’clock a.m. precisely, on a pleasure excursion to Stranraer, calling at Greenock, Largs, Ardrossan, and Ayr, and off Girvan and Ballantrae; returning the following day, calling as above. Fares: cabin, (going and returning,) 6s; steerage, (going and returning,) 4s.

“N.B.—The Lady Kelburne will wait at Ayr for the arrival of the half-past 10 train from Glasgow. A special train will leave Paisley Station for Renfrew at 7 o’clock, on the arrival of which the Lady Kelburne will wait.

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers.—One of these swift-sailing steamers, the Lady Brisbane or Lady Kelburne, sails every day ay two o’clock, from Glasgow Bridge, for Largs and Millport; every Tuesday for Ardrossan; and every Saturday for Arran, at the same hour. This arrangement to continue during the winter (weather permitting), until further notice—which will be duly given.—Glasgow, 27th Jan., 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, January 29, 1844

The middle of February saw the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway Co. encouraging steamboat owners to provide service from Ardrossan or Ayr to Campbeltown and Stranraer, and also to Belfast Larne and ’Derry.

Quite when the new Invincible was launched and when she took up service for Captain M‘Kellar is not clear. Progress on the consort for Victor appeared in the Artizan.

“New Iron Steamer.—Messrs Tod and Macgregor are building an iron boat for the Victor Steam-boat Company—very sharp—engaged to be the swiftest boat on the river.—125 ft. measured on the keel; 17 ft. 3 in. beam; 7 ft. moulded; about 70 h.p.; wrought iron engine framing; two locomotive tubular boilers, of great strength, containing each 130 ft.; 3 in. wrought iron tubes. Total weight of hull, machinery, and equipment, estimated at 45 tons, The locomotive plan of boiler we like, but we should have given the preference to cross tubes.”—Artizan

Invincible

The steeple engine of Invincible

The “beautiful new steamer” had been “lately launched, and is now plying on the station on the Largs and Millport station,” according to an article in the Glasgow Citizen in the second week of April.

“Steam-boat building on the Clyde.—An extraordinary degree of activity prevails at present on the Clyde in the building and fitting out of steamers. The Engineer which ran during a portion of last year, has been lengthened and improved, and is a remarkably fine vessel. The Superb has also been lengthened, and so much improved as to entitle it to rank among the new vessels of the season. A beautiful new steamer named the Invincible was lately launched, and is now plying on the Largs and Millport station. Three new steamers for the Castle Company are expected to be ready shortly, and will no doubt sustain the high reputation which the Castles have so long enjoyed. At Paisley there are no fewer than four new steamers in course of erection. Two of these are intended to ply in connexion with the Greenock Railway—the one to Helensburgh, and the other to Rothesay; the third is to run in conjunction with the Lady Brisbane and the Lady Kelburne on the Largs station; and the fourth is a steam pleasure yacht for Lord Eglinton. Two other steam pleasure yachts are erecting elsewhere—one of them by Messrs Thomas Wingate & Co., to be fitted up with the screw propeller; the other by Mr Robert Napier, for Asheton Smith, Esq., late M.P., on the ordinary principle. The spirited firm of Messrs Thomson and MacConell have ordered a handsome steamer as a companion to the Shandon. It is, we understand, in an advanced state, and is to be called the Dolphin. We hear also of a fine steamer being nearly finished to ply between Glasgow and Stranraer, entitled the Albion, and of another beautiful new vessel, the station for which is not yet fixed, to be fitted up with Kebble’s patent paddle. A new steamer is already afloat, intended to ply upon Lochlomond. This will make three steamers on Lochlomond this season; and as they are owned, we believe, by rival companies, the public may anticipate “cheap fares” on this queen of Scottish lakes. Mr. William Napier is building two small steam-tugs for the Forth and Clyde Canal, to be propelled by screws instead of paddles. In addition to the steamers which we have enumerated, a number of large steam-ships are in progress. Among these may be mentioned a magnificent vessel built by Mr Steel, Greenock, the engines by Mr. Robert Napier, to supply the place of the Columbia in the Liverpool and Boston trade, and to be called, we believe, by the same name. The City of London is another fine steam-ship in the course of erection: with the exception of the Great Britain, the latter is the largest vessel ever built of iron—she is to run between Aberdeen and London. Three large Government mail packets are being built and fitted out by Mr Robert Napier, at Govan; their names are the Bloodhound, the Jackal, and the Lizard. In Mr Napier’s building-yard there is also an iron gun-brig erecting for the Indian Government. The same eminent engineer lately completed the Dundalk, a magnificent large steamer, now plying between Dundalk and Liverpool. Two large vessels for the Ardrossan and Fleetwood station are building by Messrs Tod and M‘Gregor. This firm are likewise engaged on a large vessel to ply, we believe, between Liverpool and Belfast. There are thus no fewer than from twenty to thirty steamers—some of them of heavy tonnage—and representing a vast aggregate of capital—either lately completed, or at present in course of erection on tile Clyde.”—Glasgow Citizen, April 13, 1844

The lengthening of the Engineer suggests that she ran “down by the head;” too heavy in the bow, in her original condition. Perhaps not surprising, in view of the heavy boilers placed forward of the engine space. The steamers for the Greenock Railway were the Pilot and the Pioneer.

“Largs, Millport, Arran, and Ardrossan steamers, Invincible and Victor.—The splendid new steamer Invincible, Captain M‘Kellar, sails regularly from Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport every afternoon at ½-past 12. The sailings to Arran and Ardrossan, also, the starting of the Victor will be announced shortly.—Glasgow, 9th April, 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, April 9, 1844

The Invincible’s new rival was launched in the middle of April, but a note on April 19th indicated that there had been an unexpected delay in the completion of the steamer.

“Launch at Paisley.—On Saturday afternoon last, a beautiful iron river steamer was launched from the building-yard of Messrs. Barr & M‘Nab, into the Cart. The tide was full about three o’clock, when the vessel glided into her destined element, amidst the booming of artillery, and the cheering of from 25,000 to 30,000 people who lined the banks. She is a vessel of beautiful mould, and intended, we believe, in connexion with the Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne, for the Largs, Millport, Arran, and Ardrossan stations. She was named, by the eldest daughter of Mr. Brooks of Glasgow, “The Countess of Eglinton,” in honour of the lady of the patriotic Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire.”—Glasgow Herald, April 22, 1844

The arrival of the new boat was eagerly anticipated. Her dimensions were 139½ feet in length by 16 feet in the beam with a less powerful engine than in Lady Kelburne.

“Lady Kelburne, Lady Brisbane, and Countess of Eglinton.—On and after Saturday, 4th May, one of the above steamers will commence plying to Largs and Millport, from Glasgow Bridge, at 9 o’clock morning, returning to Glasgow the same evening. Ample time is allowed to parties on pleasure, or those wishing to take homes at either places, previous to the return of the vessel. The 2 o’clock steamer sails every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from Glasgow Bridge for Ardrossan; and every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, for Brodick and Lamlash.—May 1, 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, May 6, 1844

“Pleasure Trips.—Lady Kelburne, Lady Brisbane, and Countess of Eglinton.—From Glasgow Bridge to Ardrossan Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; Brodick and Lamlash, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Largs and Millport, twice every lawful day.

“One of the above steamers sails daily for Largs and Millport, from Glasgow Bridge, at 9 o’clock morning, returning to Glasgow the same evening. Ample time is allowed to parties on pleasure, or those wishing to take homes at either places, previous to the return of the vessel. The 2 o’clock steamer sails every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from Glasgow Bridge for Ardrossan; and every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, for Brodick and Lamlash. The Company intend shortly placing a steamer on the Ardrossan station daily.”—Glasgow Herald, May 13, 1844

In May the new Countess made trial trips and shortly thereafter, entered service.

“The Countess of Eglinton steamer sailed from Sneddon on Friday afternoon on her trial trip, and went down the river as far as Dumbarton. From that she returned to the Broomielaw, and this week will take her station on the river as consort on the Largs and Arran station, to the Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburn. During her short run, the Countess of Eglinton gave every satisfaction in her steadiness and speed of sailing.”—Glasgow Chronicle, May 15, 1844

“Trial trip of the Countess of Eglinton steamer.—On the morning of Monday week, a select party of gentlemen sailed from the Broomielaw, in the Countess of Eglinton steamer, on the occasion of making her first, or trial trip, to the various stations along the coast to which she is destined to ply, viz., Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, &c., the company received accessions of Paisley gentlemen at Renfrew Wharf, and the weather being delightful, the vessel set out on a trip which, from beginning to end, might almost be likened to a voyage of triumph. On nearing the different ports at which she touched, the Countess was received with salutes of artillery accompanied by the cheering of those on shore, which were heartily acknowledged by the pleasure party, both by their voices and by the guns on board, which were admirably served by an artilleryman, and often and again awoke the echoes amidst some of the most delightful pieces of marine scenery on the Clyde. At Largs, the reception of the steamer was of the most enthusiastic kind, and some hundreds of the inhabitants took advantage of the courteous offer of Mr Young, the proprietor, to accompany the vessel on her trip to Millport and Ardrossan, and back—the Countess in the course of her voyage going round the Lesser Cumbrae. Her performances were entirely successful, and realized the highest expectations of the those most deeply interested in her welfare. The strokes of the piston varied from 29 to 32 per minute, and according to the report of Mr. Dennis, and other gentlemen, who kept time and took rate of distance, she, on one or two occasions, in open sea, progressed at a speed within the merest trifle of 15 miles an hour. The Countess is iron-built, and was launched only two or three weeks since, from the building yard of Messrs Barr & M‘Nab, Paisley. The fittings-up are extremely beautiful, and the cabin is adorned with many excellent views belonging to Glasgow and the coast, as well as scenes which remind one of the land of the tournament. Altogether we hail her accession to the steam fleet already existing on our waters, as another of those triumphs of engineering skill which have rendered Clyde built steamers so deservedly famous over the world.”—Glasgow Chronicle, May 22, 1844

There was no fanfare over speed. It may be that she was a disappointment in that department. Indeed the Paisley poet who had rhymed on the prowess of the Lady Brisbane and the Lady Kelburne, singled out the railway steamer, Pioneer, as the fastest steamer of the three launched by Messrs Barr & M‘Nab that spring.

The sailings by Victor and Invincible on the Largs, Millport and Arran stations continued their resurgence with new vigor.

“Largs, Millport, Arran, and Ardrossan steamers, Invincible and Victor, sail for Largs and Millport. Invincible, every afternoon at half-past twelve. Victor, every afternoon at half-past four. For Brodick and Lamlash, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at half-past twelve. For Ardrossan, every Saturday, at half-past twelve.—Glasgow, 8th May, 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, May 6, 1844.

“Largs, Millport, Arran, and Ardrossan steamers, Invincible and Victor, sail for Largs and Millport, every afternoon at half-past twelve, every afternoon at half-past four. The half-past twelve steamer proceeds on to Brodick and Lamlash, every Monday, Wednesday, and to Ardrossan, every Saturday.

“N.B.—For the convenience of gentlemen in business, the Invincible now leaves Millport for Glasgow every Monday morning at six o’clock, and Largs about half-past six.—Glasgow, 31st May, 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, May 31, 1844.

It should be noted that the sailings by Victor and Invincible allowed no possibility of excursion sailings. Both steamers left Millport in the morning, returning from Glasgow in the afternoon. The excursion traffic was directed to the opposing company.

The Isle of Arran continued as she had in previous years.

“The Royal Mail Steam Packet, Isle of Arran, will (weather permitting), on and after the 28th inst., and till further notice, sail daily from Ardrossan, at 10 o’clock, for Brodick and Lamlash, and return to Ardrossan in the afternoon—leaving Lamlash at ½-past 3, and Brodick at ½-past 4 o’clock. And, in addition to the above, she will, on Saturdays, sail from Ardrossan to Brodick and Lamlash at ½-past 6 o’clock evening; and on Mondays, from Lamlash ay ½-past 5, and Brodick at ½-past 6, morning for Ardrossan, in time for the early train up.

“After the 1st July, the Isle will leave Ardrossan for Arran every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening, and return to Ardrossan on the mornings of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at the hours above stated for her evening trip on Saturday, and early one on Monday mornings.—Lamlash, 13th May, 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, May 17, 1844.

With Lady Kelburne and Countess of Eglinton on the Largs and Millport station, the Lady Brisbane was employed running in connection with the Ayr Railway, running between Ayr and Stranraer.

“Cheap and expeditious travelling between Glasgow, Girvan, Ballantrae, and Stranraer by the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway, and the Lady Brisbane steamer.—That new and splendid steamer, the Lady Brisbane will, on Wednesday nest, the 19th inst., commence to ply between Ayr and Stranraer, calling off Girvan, Ballantrae and the other intermediate ports. She will leave Ayr daily after the arrival of the half-past one o’clock train from Glasgow; and will return from Stranraer to Ayr every morning in time for the eleven o’clock train to Glasgow. Passengers will be booked from Glasgow or Paisley to Girvan or Stranraer, at the railway stations, and from Stranraer or Girvan to Glasgow or Paisley, by the steam-boat agent, or by the Captain on board.

“Fares—Between Glasgow and Stranraer, by 1st class and cabin, 10s; by 2d class and cabin, 8s; by 2d class and steerage, 6s; between Glasgow and Girvan, by 1st class and cabin, 7s 6d; by 2d class and cabin, 5s 6d; by 2d class and steerage, 5s; between Paisley and Stranraer, by 1st class and cabin, 9s; by 2d class and cabin, 7s 3d; by 2d class and steerage, 5s 3d; between Paisley and Girvan, by 1st class and cabin, 6s 6d; by 2d class and cabin, 4s 9d; by 2d class and steerage, 4s 3s.

“Goods of every description are carried between Glasgow and other stations on the line and Stranraer. For rates of carriage, which are very moderate, apply at the railway stations; or in Stranraer to the agent or Captain of the steamer.—Glasgow 12th June, 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, June 14, 1844.

On this station, she would have the new Albion as competitor.

“Launch.—On Thursday afternoon, a beautiful new iron steamer named the Albion, was launched from the building yard of Tod & M‘Gregor, Glasgow, on the south side of the river. The day being fine, there was a large concourse of people assembled to witness the launch, which went off with great eclat. She is intended to ply between Glasgow and Stranraer.”—Ayr Advertiser, March 14, 1844

Lady Brisbane was also available for a popular excursion, to Ailsa Craig.

“Grand pleasure excursion to Ailsa Craig, with liberty to land on the island, by the swift and splendid steam-packet, Lady Brisbane. On Tuesday first, June 18, the Lady Brisbane will sail from Glasgow Bridge, weather permitting, at five o’clock morning, for Greenock, Largs, Ardrossan, Ayr, and Girvan, on a pleasure excursion to Ailsa Craig, where she will remain sufficient time to give parties an opportunity to proceed to the top of the Craig. From thence she will return to Ayr by Girvan in time for the passengers to proceed by the seven o’clock train from Ayr to Glasgow. Passengers leaving Glasgow by the half-past seven o’clock train will be in time for the Lady Brisbane at Ayr. By this fast steamer, tourists, and parties on pleasure, visiting the various places on the coast, will be favoured with an opportunity which is seldom to be met with, of landing and spending a short time on this “Craggy Ocean Pyramid,” which exhibits all “the romantic and wonderful scenery” which “forms the chief attraction of the more distant islands,” and which cannot be eclipsed by Staffa, or Mull, or Skye, if even it can be equaled by any of them. Fares very moderate. On and after Wednesday, June 19, the Lady Brisbane will run in conjunction with the Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway, between Ayr and Stranraer calling at all the intermediate stations.”—Glasgow Herald, June 14, 1844.

“Pleasure excursion to Brodick Fair on Tuesday next the 24th June.—The Lady Kelburne, or Countess of Eglinton steamer will sail from Glasgow Bridge for Brodick Fair on Tuesday morning at four o’clock, returning to Glasgow in the evening, calling at Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Millport, and Ardrossan, going and returning. Fares very moderate.  There will be no nine o’clock boat from Glasgow Wharf and Millport on Monday and Tuesday next only. The other days of the week as usual. The Countess of Eglinton will make two runs to Largs and Millport on Saturday first (to-morrow), viz., nine o’clock morning, and half-past five. Afternoon.”—Glasgow Herald, June 21, 1844.

“Cheap and expeditious travelling between Glasgow, Girvan, Ballantrae, and Stranraer by the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway, and the Lady Brisbane steamer.—That new and splendid steamer, the Lady Brisbane, plies daily between Ayr and Stranraer, calling off Girvan, Ballantrae and other intermediate ports. She leaves Ayr every day after the arrival of the half-past one o’clock train from Glasgow; and returns from Stranraer to Ayr every morning in time for the eleven o’clock train to Glasgow. Passengers are booked from Glasgow or Paisley to Girvan or Stranraer, at the railway stations, and from Stranraer or Girvan to Glasgow or Paisley, by the steam-boat agent, or by the Captain on board. Fares extremely moderate. Goods of every description are carried between Glasgow and other stations on the line and Stranraer. For rates of carriage, which are very moderate, apply at the railway stations; or in Stranraer to the agent or Captain of the steamer.—Glasgow 12th June, 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, June 21, 1844

Invincible and Victor continued to provide an efficient service for the inhabitants of Millport and Largs.

“Largs, Millport, Arran, and Ardrossan steamers, Invincible and Victor, sail for Largs and Millport, every afternoon at half-past twelve; every afternoon at half-past four. The half-past twelve steamer proceeds on for Brodick and Lamlash, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and for Ardrossan, every Saturday.

Brodick Fair.—Passengers for Brodick Fair (which happens tomorrow), will have an opportunity of proceeding thither by the Invincible, this day, at half-past 12.

N.B.—There will be no Largs boat from Glasgow to-morrow afternoon (Tuesday), at half-past 4.—Glasgow, 24th June, 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, June 24, 1844

The new Countess was employed on the excursion sailing from Glasgow in the morning.

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steam-packets, Countess of Eglinton and Lady Kelburne.—The new and swift sailing steamer, Countess of Eglinton, sails from Glasgow Bridge every morning at 9 o’clock, for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, allowing passengers an hour at Millport and two hours at Largs, previous to her return to Glasgow. The Lady Kelburne sails also from Glasgow Bridge every afternoon at 2 o’clock, for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport; on the Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she proceeds to Ardrossan; and on the Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for Brodick and Lamlash, at the same hour. In addition to the above (until farther notice) the Countess of Eglinton will sail from Glasgow Bridge for Greenock and Gourock every Saturday evening at ¼ past 5 o’clock, leaving Gourock for Glasgow every Monday morning at ½-past 6 o’clock. On the Saturdays only the Countess will leave Largs and Millport an hour sooner than formerly advertised.”—Glasgow Herald, June 28, 1844

“Grand pleasure excursion to Ailsa Craig, by the Glasgow and Ayr railway and the Lady Brisbane steamer.—On Saturday first, the 28th instant, parties will be conveyed from Glasgow and Paisley to Ayr by the railway, and from thence to Ailsa Craig, by the Lady Brisbane steamer. The train will leave Glasgow at half-past 7 morning, and shortly after its arrival at Ayr, the steamer will sail for Ailsa Craig, along the Carrick Shore affording a view of Greenan, Dunure, Culzean castles, &c., thence round the Craig, and back to Ayr in time for the train at 7 o’clock evening to Glasgow.

“Fares from Glasgow to Ailsa Craig and back, by 1st class carriage and cabin, 7s 6d; by 2d class carriage and cabin, 5s 6d; by 3d class carriage and steerage, 3s 6d; from Paisley to Ailsa Craig and back, by 1st class carriage and cabin, 6s 6d; by 2d class carriage and cabin, 4s 6d; by 3d class carriage and steerage, 3s 0d.—Glasgow Station, 27th June, 1844”—Glasgow Herald, June 28, 1844

A second grand excursion to Ailsa Craig was on July 6th, and a third on Fair Saturday, July 13.

“Largs, Millport, Arran, and Ardrossan steamers, Invincible and Victor, sail for Largs and Millport; Invincible, every afternoon at half-past twelve; Victor every afternoon at half-past four. The half-past twelve boat proceeds on for Brodick and Lamlash, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and for Ardrossan, every Saturday.”—Glasgow Herald, July 1, 1844.

“Reduced fares to Arran.—As an inducement to parties to visit the beautiful and retired watering places of Brodick and Lamlash, the fares from Glasgow and Paisley to and from Arran on the same day, or on Saturday, with the option of returning on Monday, will be reduced to the undernoted rates commencing on Saturday the 20th July, leaving Glasgow by the half-past seven morning train, and returning same day in time for the quarter-past seven evening train from Ardrossan, and on Saturdays by the half-past seven morning or half-past four afternoon train, and returning on Monday. Fares.—from Glasgow to Arran and back: first class and cabin, 6s; second class and cabinn 5s; from Paisley to Arran and back, first class and cabin 5s; second class and cabin, 4s 3d.—J. Faithfull Smith, Secy., Glasgow and Ayr Railway.—Ayrshire Railway Station, Glasgow, 19th June July, 1844”—Glasgow Herald, July 19, 1844

At the end of July, there was a collision between the Countess of Eglinton and the Engineer.

“Collision on the River. —On the afternoon of Tuesday last, the 30th ult., the steamers Engineer and Countess of Eglinton, having touched at and left Greenock, within few minutes of each other, on their voyage up the river, came into contact a little above Port-Glasgow. The Countess of Eglinton was in advance—the Engineer rapidly coming up in her wake, and as they neared, and a collision seemed unavoidable, the utmost alarm prevailed amongst the passengers. In passing, the projecting platform of the paddle-box of the Engineer came in contact with the quarter of the Countess, tearing away the wooden carved work with a loud crash, and giving cause to many to fear that a rent had been made in her stern. At this moment the scene on board the Countess was exactly that which may be believed to attend the sudden sinking of a ship; the men were alarmed and thoughtful; some of the ladies silently implored the mercy their Creator; others had fainted, and lay in a state of insensibility on the deck, while the screams of the majority were perfectly appalling. The damage, fortunately, however, was trifling, and the steamers in a moment or two got clear, and went on their way. It is possible that from the first there was no actual danger, but people who travel in steam boats in conscious security were not to be aware of this. Where the blame rests we do not pretend to say; but the public, and we are sure every steam-boat proprietor, will expect a searching inquiry at the hands of the River Bailies’ Court, the Procurator Fiscal of which has, we believe, received a complaint on the subject.— Herald.”—Greenock Advertiser, August 9, 1844

Blame was assigned to Captain Crawford of the Countess.

“Collision of Countess of Eglinton and Engineer steamers.— The following is the judgment pronounced by Mr. M‘Kinley the Water Bailie, in the case of the collision between the river steamers:—These cases have been very properly brought by the Procurator Fiscal, in consequence of a collision between the steamers Countess of Eglinton and Engineer, commanded by the defenders, by which a number of passengers were very much alarmed, and might have been seriously injured. After hearing evidence at great length, and giving the cases all the attention in my power, I have now to pronounce judgment.

“In the case against Crawford the master of the Countess of Eglinton the charge is, that, when his vessel was overtaken by the Engineer, “he did not keep the said steam-boat, Countess of Eglinton, sufficiently to the left or larboard side, and wholly stop the engine of the said steam-boat, Countess of Eglinton, to allow the said steam-boat, Engineer, to pass her without any obstruction whatever, in terms of the said article of the said Regulations.” Now it appears to me that this charge has been very clearly proved, both that the vessel was not kept sufficiently to the left or larboard side, and also that her engine was not wholly stopped when the Engineer approached within fifty feet of her. Even if there had been a doubt as to the first of these charges (although I think there is none), there can be no doubt whatever regarding the second charge, as the defender has never alleged, or attempted to prove by a single witness, that the engine of his vessel was stopped in sufficient time. On the contrary, it is proved that the engine was not even slowed, although the bell on board of the Engineer was rung and the captain waved and cried to those on board of the Countess to keep out of the way, and to stop her engine. The witnesses, even those for the defender, also agree that if the Regulations had been observed, there would have been no collision, and in this opinion I entirely concur. There was plenty of room, and had the Countess kept her own side to the north, and stopped her engine, as required by the Regulations, I have no doubt the Engineer could easily have passed. I, therefore think that the Countess of Eglinton was the vessel in fault, and that those in charge of her are the parties to blame for the collision, and I find the defender in the full penalty of five pounds.

“In the case of the other defender, Peter Chalmers, the charge in the first instance was twofold. 1st, For a breach of the Regulations insofar as he did not slow the engine of his vessel when she had approached within fifty feet of the Countess, and move along slowly until she had passed the Countess thirty feet, previous to resuming her speed; and 2d, That he steered, or sailed, his vessel in a reckless or culpable manner, to the danger of the lives of the passengers, who were thereby thrown into alarm, and put in bodily fear. But this second charge, having been objected to by the agent for the defender, as incompetent for this Court, has been abandoned by the Procurator Fiscal, no doubt for good and sufficient reasons. The only charge, therefore, remaining for consideration is the first, and to it, and to it alone, the Court is strictly limited in judging of the case. Of the charge thus restricted, I feel bound to say that the defender is entitled to be acquitted, because not only has the Fiscal failed in proving that the engine of the Engineer was not slowed, but the defender has, in my opinion, very clearly proved that the engine was actually slowed when the vessel was considerably more than 50 feet behind the Countess, and that she continued to move along slowly until she had passed the Countess more than 30 feet. I, therefore, think that the defender fully attended to the Regulations, but, at the same time, I am not altogether certain that he was entirely free from blame. His own men admit that there was hardly room to pass between the Countess and the south bank of the river, and I think it would have been more prudent if he had kept back, when he saw that the Countess would not give way and to have brought a complaint against her for breach of the Regulations. On the other hand, I admit that the defender was in a difficult position. His vessel was evidently the faster of the two—he was entitled to get on—he was strictly adhering to the Regulations—and he may say he was entitled to expect that the other vessel would not persist in keeping in his way. But, as I have said, this part of the case does not fall to be judged of by me.

“I have only further to add, that the Court is determined strictly to enforce the Regulations, and to do everything in its power to protect passengers from the alarm and danger attending these unseemly contests between rival steamers. It is also due to the vessels themselves that the Regulations should be enforced, because, if it was to be in the power of a slow boat, when overtaken by a faster, to put it out of the power of the quick boat to pass, there would be no use in any further attempts to increase the speed of steamers on the Clyde. In the opinion I have formed of these cases I have the satisfaction of knowing that the Assessor of Court, Mr. Forbes, fully concurs,”—Glasgow Herald, September 20, 1844

The Burns’ festival at Ayr on August 6th, brought special excursions by the Ayr Railway and the Lady Kelburne. Special sailings for the event were made by the Cardiff Castle, Superb, Arab, and Engineer. The Ardrossan Steam Packet Co.’s Glow-worm also made special sailings from Belfast.

“Burns Festival.—For the accommodation of numerous parties residing at the coast, the fine well-known steamer Victor, Capt. M‘Kenzie, will sail from Greenock on Tuesday morning about a quarter-past five o’clock, for Ayr calling at Gourock, Largs, and Millport, arriving in Ayr at a very early hour. Passengers by this conveyance will thus have the whole day to spend at the scene of the Festival, as the Victor will not leave Ayr till about five o’clock in the evening, when she will return to Greenock, calling at the above ports. Fares for the whole day’s excursion:—two shillings and sixpence.

N.B.—This afternoon, Monday, the Victor sails at half-past four for Greenock and Gourock only, but not to Largs or Millport and on Tuesday tomorrow there will be no boat for any of these ports at half-past four.— Glasgow 5th August 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, August 5, 1844

A collage of the features of the Burns Festival in 1844

The procession at the Burns Festival, 1844

The Fort of Ayr in 1844

At the end of August, the Victor changed her sailing hour from Glasgow to half-past three.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran Steamers.—Hour of sailing changes.—The steamer Victor will, on and after Wednesday first, sail from Glasgow Bridge for Largs, Millport, Brodick, and Lamlash every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at ½-past 11 o’clock forenoon, returning on the alternate days; and in order to accommodate families leaving Arran and other places on the coast, the steamer will sail from Lamlash for Glasgow about 8, and Brodick at 9 o’clock morning, calling at the intermediate ports. The Invincible has discontinued playing to Arran, but sails as usual for Largs and Millport every afternoon, at ½-past 12 o’clock.—Glasgow 30 September 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, September 27, 1844

As the year wound down and the winter arrangements were advertised, Largs and Millport were well supplied with connections from the rival companies. Arran also had service both from Ardrossan and from Glasgow.

“The Royal Mail Steam Packet, Isle of Arran, will sail (weather permitting) on and after the 4th November next, until further notice, from Ardrossan to Arran every Tuesday and Saturday at half-past 12 noon when the half-past 10 o’clock train from Glasgow arrives; and from Arran to Ardrossan, every Monday and Thursday, leaving Lamlash at 11 forenoon and Brodick at 12 noon.—Lamlash, 13th Oct., 1844”—Glasgow Herald, November 1, 1844

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.—One of these splendid swift steamers, the Lady Kelburne, or Countess of Eglinton, sails every day, at two o’clock from the Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport, and will continue to do so during the winter. On Tuesday (to-morrow), the Lady Kelburne will proceed to Arran; and thereafter one of the steamers will sail every Saturday, at two o’clock, for that island, as they have done during the two preceding winters. The trips on Tuesdays and Thursdays being discontinued in the meantime.

N.B.—These steamers, as usual, wait at Greenock for the train which leaves Glasgow at three o’clock p.m.; and on their return, they also correspond with the trains leaving Greenock for Glasgow at half-past ten a.m.—11th November 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, November 11, 1844

“Largs, Millport, and Arran Steamers.—Winter arrangement.—The steamer Invincible continues to sail, as usual, from Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport, every afternoon Friday, at ½-past twelve. A splendid new steamer, to sail in concert with the Invincible, is now building for the above station, and, in future one or both boats will ply daily during the winter as well as the summer months.—Glasgow 2d December 1844.”—Glasgow Herald, November 25, 1844

The new year, 1845, started much as the previous year had ended. Plans for the summer season for the steamers owned by Messrs Young and Associates anticipated the Lady Kelburne and Countess of Eglinton on the Largs and Millport station, one handling the daily excursion trade and the other sailing onward to Arran or Ardrossan on alternate days; the Lady Brisbane would be sailing from Ayr to Stranraer and special excursions, in connection with the Ayr Railway. M‘Kellar’s old wooden Victor was to be laid up and replaced by a new iron steamer, consort for the Invincible.

“Glasgow, Largs, Millport, Arran, and Stranraer steamers, Lady Kelburne, Countess of Eglinton, and Lady Brisbane.—The Lady Kelburne sails from Glasgow Bridge, every lawful day, at two o’clock, for Largs and Millport; on the Saturdays she proceeds to Brodick and Lamlash in Arran. This Boat waits the arrival of the 3 o’clock down train at Greenock, and the ½-past 10 up train as usual. She will commence her three runs a-week to Arran &c., in April, same as last season. The sailings of the Countess of Eglinton, for the summer months, will commence about the middle of April, and be as follows:—From Glasgow Bridge, every morning at nine o’clock, for Largs and Millport, returning same afternoon, waiting the arrival of the 10 o’clock down train at Greenock, and the afternoon up train, as in former seasons. The Lady Brisbane continues to sail from Ayr to Stranraer, in connexion. with the Ayr Railway, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, after the arrival of the ½-past 10 Train from Glasgow, and on the opposite days from Stranraer, arriving at Ayr in time for the 2 o’clock up train. The daily sailings, under the summer arrangements, will be duly announced. For farther particulars, apply at the Railway Office.

“On Thursday. the 3d Aptril, the Lady Kelburne will sail, at half-past 7 morning, on a pleasure trip to Arran, returning in the evening—the Countess of Eglinton, at 9 o’Clock, for Ardrossan, returning in the Evening. Fares Moderate.—Glasgow, 13th March, 1845.”—Glasgow Herald, March 14, 1845

The new consort for the Invincible was nearing completion.

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers.‚The Invincible continues to sail from Glasgow Bridge, for Largs and Millport, every afternoon at one o’clock. A splendid new steamer—a consort for the Invincible—is now finishing, and will be placed on the above station early in May. The summer sailings for Arran, Ardrossan, &c., will shortly be advertised.

“On Thursday morning, the 3d of April at seven o’clock, the Invincible will sail from Glasgow Bridge, on a pleasure excursion, for Largs, Millport, and Arran—returning in the evening.—Glasgow, 20th March, 1845.”—Glasgow Herald, March 21, 1845.

However, disaster, in the form of a severe gale, struck Cumbrae on the night of March 26. There was widespread damage, including the destruction of the pier. It was rebuilt over the following weeks. The Countess of Eglinton broke her moorings and was dashed to pieces on the rocks near her anchorage. She was not insured. The Invincible fared better. She too was cast adrift but had sufficient steam up to be able to make her was to a safety.

“The late gale.—Cumbrae.—On Wednesday and Thursday last, the island was visited by a dreadful gale from the south-west, and the loss of property is very great. On Thursday night the storm raged dreadfully; the Countess of Eglinton, steamer, was torn from her moorings and has been literally dashed to pieces on a rocky islet which lies directly opposite the village. Only one-half of her is lying on the rocks, her after part is completely gone, and her boiler is laid bare to the wind and the waves. She went ashore about 1 o’clock on Friday morning, when it was pitch dark. Those on hoard escaped with their lives, but the poor fellows were drenched to the skin, and were not relieved from their perilous situation till about seven o’clock that morning, it being impossible to face the storm any sooner. She was commanded at the time by Captain John Gilmour, of the Lady Brisbane, steamer. The Invincible, Captain M‘Kellar, was moored at the lee-side of the island. She tore the ring to which the hawser was made fast from the rock, and having steam up slipped her chain and with great difficulty got to Balloch Bay, where she kept up her steam till day-light, having neither anchor on board nor cable. The brig Industry, of Saltcoats, made a hairbreadth escape; she was driven right into the mouth of Kames Bay. There she let go her anchor, which brought her to among the breakers, within ten yards of the rocks. She has got out of her perilous situation. The gable of a house in Bute-terrace was rent from top to bottom, and levelled with the side wall. During the gale on Friday morning, several vessels came up Clyde scudding under bare poles. When one of them was off Largs, she was boarded by a punt from a pilot boat, and a pilot put on board. In returning, the punt was swamped by the heavy sea, and the two personas in her were drowned. They were both young men belonging to Gourock, named M‘Farlane and M‘Court. The Achilles steamer, from Liverpool, gallantly withstood the gale, making the passage to Greenock in twenty or twenty-one hours, being only about three hours behind the usual period—this being accomplished during the fury of the gale, is another instance of the great power and tight build of the splendid steamers on this station.”—Glasgow Chronicle, April 2, 1845

“The late storm—The coast steamers.—When we made the remarks in our last as to the effects of the storm on Thursday night, we had not heard from the coast. We regret to learn that in the Firth the severity of the hurricane was even greater than in this quarter. Among the casualties was that which occurred to the Countess of Eglinton, one of the best of the river steamers, both in regard to accommodation and speed. She was lying at anchor in the bay of Millport, the entrance of which is interspersed with low lying rocks, and during the most severe period of the storm, the captain and crew, who were on board, doubtful of her riding out the gale in safety, prepared to seek a more safe anchorage. The steam was accordingly got up, and the anchors were in the act of being weighed, when a sudden squall dragged them, and sent her stern on one of the rocks, with such tremendous force as to destroy the hull aft the boilers. The machinery, however, is almost uninjured, and will be speedily removed to Glasgow, for the purpose of being placed in a new hull, for the building of which, in the most improved and substantial manner, the necessary preliminary steps will be immediately taken. We regret this untoward event, the more especially as we believe no insurance was effected on the vessel, which we fear is a common case with the river steamers. This arises in a great measure from the heavy premiums charged by the underwriters; but judging from the very few accidents which have occurred with riverboats, we think the underwriters of Glasgow and Greenock might so modify their premiums for such risks as to induce the proprietors of the Clyde steamers to acquiesce in their terms. Judging, however, from the usual enterprise of our spirited townsman, Mr Young, and the other proprietors, there is no doubt that every exertion will be made to supply the station for which the Countess has in the meantime been disabled.—Glasgow Constitutional.”—Glasgow Herald, April 4, 1845

The Messrs Young, without the Countess of Eglinton withdrew the morning sailing from Glasgow.

“Glasgow, Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers, Lady Kelburne and Lady Brisbane.—One of these well-known and fast-sailing steamers will continue to sail from Glasgow Bridge, every lawful day, at 2 o’clock, for Largs and Millport; and on and after Tuesday the 22d instant, for Arran, very Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; and on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, for Ardrossan. The Proprietors regret that, from the recent accident which occurred to their steamer, Countess of Eglinton, they are unable, for some time, to avail themselves of their usual hour of 9 a.m. This hour they hope will, for the present, be otherwise supplied. In the meantime, they are making every exertion to provide a new and equally splendid steamer, which they trust will recal to them that peculiar patronage with which they have been hitherto favoured, and compensate for the present temporary want of accommodation.”—Glasgow Herald, April 18, 1845

The new M‘Kellar steamer, Mars, was launched at the end of April, and with little fanfare, entered service the following month. She was built of iron, and at 135¾ feet in length by 16½ feet in breadth was a few feet longer than Invincible. Her engine was second-hand, from the Victor.

Mars

“Launch.—On Wednesday last, another fine steamer, intended as a consort for the Invincible, on the Largs and Millport station, in the room of the Victor, was launched  from the building yard of Messrs. Wingate and Son. This new steamer is built after the model of the Queen of Beauty launched last year.”—Glasgow Herald, April 28, 1845

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers, Invincible, Capt. M‘Kellar, Mars (new steamer) Capt. Alex. M‘Kellar. On and after Monday next, the 12th instant, the Invincible will sail from Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport, every day at ½-past 12, instead of 1 o’clock, as at present, and will proceed to Brodick and Lamlash every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and to Ardrossan every Saturday.

“The splendid new steamer Mars is now nearly completed, and will also be placed on this station next week, when the whole summer arrangements will be fully announced.—Glasgow, 5th May, 1845.”—Glasgow Herald, May 5, 1845.

The anticipated start of the Mars was optimistic and it was the end of the month before she was ready.

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers, Invincible, Capt. M‘Kellar, Mars (new steamer) Capt. Alex. M‘Kellar, sails for Largs and Millport, every afternoon at ½-past 12 o’clock, proceeding to Brodick and Lamlash every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and to Ardrossan every Saturday, at same hour.

“On or about Thursday the 29th instant, one of the above steamers will leave Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport every forenoon, at ½-past 10, except Saturdays, when she will sail at ½-past 8 morning, and also at ½-past 5 afternoon, returning direct to Glasgow at an early hour every Monday morning.—Glasgow, 19th May, 1845.”—Glasgow Herald, May 19, 1845.

The Isle of Arran continues as usual, sailing between Ardrossan and Arran.

“The Royal Mail steam-packet Isle of Arran.—Hours of sailing on and after the 2d June next, until further notice:—From Ardrossan for Brodick and Lamlash every lawful day at 10 o’clock a.m., on the arrival of the ½-past 7 o’clock train from Glasgow; and from Lamlash at ½-past 3, and Brodick at ½-past 4 p.m., for Ardrossan. In addition to the above, on Saturdays, from Ardrossan to Arran at ½-past 6 evening, on the arrival of the ½-past 4 train from Glasgow; and on Mondays from Lamarsh at ½-past 5, and Brodick at ½-past 6 morning, for Ardrossan, in time for the ½-past 8 o’clock train to Glasgow.—Lamlash, 28th May, 1845.”—Glasgow Herald, June 6, 1845

The Mars and Invincible were now able to offer morning and afternoon steamers sailing from Glasgow.

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers.—The new steamer Mars sails from Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport, every day at ½-past 12 o’clock, proceeding to Brodick and Lamlash every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Ardrossan every Saturday. The steamer Invincible sails for Largs and Millport every forenoon, at ½-past 10, except on Saturdays, when her hour of sailing is ½-past 8 morning, and also at ½-past 5 evening, returning direct to Glasgow early every Monday morning.

“Cheap pleasure sailing.—The passengers from Glasgow, by the Invincible, returning same day, the fares for the whole excursion are—cabin, 2s.; steerage, 1s. 6d.

“Largs Fair.—On Tuesday morning (to-morrow), the Invincible will sail at ½-past 6 (instead of ½-past 10), with passengers for Largs Fair, returning to Glasgow in the evening, as usual.—Glasgow, 10th June, 1845.”—Glasgow Herald, June 16, 1845

A replacement for the Countess of Eglinton was ordered. It was to be called Robert Burns.

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, Arran, Ayr, and Stranraer steamers.—The Lady Kelburne steamer sailes every day, at 2 o’clock, from Glasgow Bridge, for Largs and Millport; on the Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, for Ardrossan, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, for Arran at the same hour. The Lady Brisbane steamer leaves Ayr for Stranraer every day after the arrival of the ½-past 1 o’clock train from Glasgow; and she also daily leaves Stranraer in time for the 11 o’clock train from Ayr to Glasgow. The Lady Brisbane has occasional pleasure trips on Saturdays to Ailsa Craig, Arran, &c. Passengers for these trips leave Glasgow by the ½-past 7 morning train, and information will be obtained at the Ayrshire Railway Office, or the Lady Kelburne’s Landing Box, Upper Quay, when these trips take place.

“The splendid new steamer Robert Burns, to take up the place of the Countess of Eglinton, is now building, and will be ready for the station early in the spring.—Glasgow, 18th June, 1845.”—Glasgow Citizen, June 21, 1845

There was a notice of a launch reported for the Largs, Millport and Arran trade from the yard of Messrs Tod & M‘Gregor. This was an error, the steamer was likely the Sovereign, built for Messrs Henderson and M‘Kellar’s Gareloch service.

“Launch.—An iron steamer, intended to ply between Largs, Millport, and Arran, was launched on Monday from the building-yard of Messrs Tod & M‘Gregor (being the seventh from the same premises within the last twelve months). She is to be furnished with a powerful engine by the same firm, and her cabins are to be finished and furnished in the most elegant style.”—Glasgow Chronicle, August 6, 1845

Mars and Invincible still dominated the trade to Largs and Millport.

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers.—The new steamer Mars continues to sail as usual for Largs and Millport, every afternoon at ½-past 12; also for Brodick and Lamlash every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Ardrossan every Saturday, at same hour.

“The Invincible now sails for Largs and Millport every day, at ½-past 10, returning to Glasgow in the evening; and has discontinued sailing on Saturday evenings at ½-past 5.—Glasgow, 29th August, 1845.”—Glasgow Herald, August 29, 1845.

At the end of August, the Lady Brisbane was able to be extricated from the railway connection between Ayr and Stranraer station and was placed on the morning sailing from Glasgow to Largs and Millport, returning in the evening. On the Stranraer service, she was replaced by the Scotia built for the Glasgow and Stranraer Steam Packet Co., as a consort to the Albion.

“Daily conveyance to and from Largs and Millport by the Lady Brisbane steamer.—The steamer Lady Brisbane will, on Monday next, the 1st September, commence plying to Largs and Millport, leaving Glasgow at nine o’clock morning, and Millport at half-past one afternoon. Fares, cabin, 1s. 6d.—steerage, 1s.; going and returning, cabin 2s.—steerage 1s. 6d.

“The Lady Kelburne steamer continues to sail every day at 2 p.m., for Largs and Millport. On the Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she proceeds to Ardrossan, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, to Arran.—Glasgow August 28, 1845.”—Glasgow Herald, August 29, 1845

Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne at Largs

Enlargement of above

In November, Mr. William Young retired from the business.

“Largs.—A meeting of the shareholders of the Glasgow, Largs, and Millport Steamboat Company took place on Friday, in the Tontine Hotel, here, when Mr Young retired from the proprietary, which is now left in the hands of the remaining partners, who therefore possess the sole interest in the Lady Kelburne, the Lady Brisbane and the new steamer now building by Messrs Barr & M‘Nab.”—Greenock, Advertiser, November 11, 1845

Mars

Sailings from both concerns continued over the winter.

“Largs and Millport steamers, Mars and Invincible.—One of these steamers continues to sail, as usual, for Largs and Millport, every day at ½-past 12.

“N.B.—The sailings to Arran are now discontinued till farther notice.—Glasgow, 24th Nov., 1845.”—Glasgow Herald, November 24, 1845

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers.—The public is respectfully informed that the Lady Brisbane steamer has now ceased to ply for the season. The Lady Kelburne continues to sail every day at 2 for Largs and Millport, and on Saturdays, she proceeds to Arran.”—Glasgow Herald, November 13, 1845

Good progress with the new steamer, Robert Burns, was reported in January, 1846.

“Renfrew.—Messrs Barr and M‘Nab of Paisley, the well-known and successful engineers, have taken an extensive building-yard at this place and have in course of preparation, and pretty far advanced, an iron vessel for the Largs trade, to be named the Robert Burns. Her dimensions are:—length, 170 feet, keel and forerake; breadth, 18 feet; depth, 8½ feet; her power will be about 100 horses. Alongside of this vessel they are building for Messrs Henderson and M‘Kellar, for the Helensburgh trade, a neat handy iron steamer, similar to the Emperor and Sultan, of the following dimensions:—length, 130 feet, keel and forerake; breadth, 16½ feet; depth, 8 feet; to be propelled by proportionate power. They are likewise building for Liverpool a strong iron steam ferry boat length, 120 feet, keel and forerake; breadth, 17 feet; depth, 8 feet. In addition to these they are about to lay down for Mr. Smith of Fleetwood two fine iron steamers of the following dimensions:—length, 160 feet, keel and forerake; breadth, 22 feet; depth, 11 feet, to be built strong, and finished in the usual Clyde style, having splendid cabin accommodation and suitable power of engines.

“We have now exhausted our description of the Clyde ship-building, by which it will be observed, that, compared with former years, a great change has taken place in the description of material used for the construction of the majority of our vessels. Ten years ago there was not such a thins on Clyde as an iron steamer, and now it may be said there is nothing else. About that time Mr. Neilson introduced an iron steamer named the Fairy Queen, propelled by vibrating engines; and subsequently Mr. David Napier built another, which may be said to have been the beginning of what is now such a general description of vessel, not only in Great Britain but throughout the world. Although there are now plying on the Thames numerous iron steamers of the swiftest and most beautiful description, it can be proved that it was not for many years after the Clyde steam-packet owners had adopted this material for constructing their vessels with, that our southern neighbours fell upon the same fashion. Since that period our artizans have constructed steamers for all parts of the globe, and wherever they go they carry off the palm, and stand unrivalled.”—Morning Herald, (London) January 2, 1846

What happened in the early weeks of 1846 is difficult to determine. In the absence of Mr William Young, now retired from running the Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne, an approach appears to have been made to the opposition company headed by Captain Duncan M‘Kellar and his son Alex. With four relatively new iron steamers available for the limited trade, there had been some indications of cooperation in the past; alternating days in which the rival companies had extended their services to Arran and Ardrossan. The result was the formation of a new enterprise: The Glasgow, Largs, & Millport Union Steamboat Co., with the M‘Kellars taking a prominent role though the management appears to have been in the hands of Matthew Langlands. The order for the replacement steamer for the Countess of Eglinton, Robert Burns, was cancelled. She was launched as the Vesta and was quickly sold to Russian owners. The salvaged engine of the Countess of Eglinton was placed in the hull, Monarch, destined for the Gareloch fleet of Messrs Henderson & M‘Kellar.

The steamers of the Glasgow, Largs, & Millport Union Steamboat Co. adopted a uniform funnel colour; black, with two narrow white lines below the stay-rings. This was the funnel colour of the Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne. Prior to this, the Victor and Invincible appear to have had no white lines. However, this may simply be artistic license.

“On Friday afternoon a steamer was launched from the building yard of Messrs Barr & M‘Nab, at Renfrew. It was christened the Monarch, by Miss Wallace of Renfrew, and went off in good style. It has been built for the Glasgow and Helensburgh trade.”—Greenock Advertiser, April 7, 1846.

Swan’s engraving of Millport. A steamboat can be seen behind the smack in the foreground.

“Largs Presentation.—On the evening of Tuesday se’nnight, the shareholders of the Glasgow, Largs, and Millport steam-boat Company, to the number of 27, sat down to a splendid supper in Mrs. Arthur’s, White Hart Inn,—Matthew Perston, Esq. of Brooksley, in the chair. After supper was finished, they presented Captain Thomas Houston, Commander of the Lady Kelburne, with a handsome gold watch, guard, and key, with the following inscription engraved on the watch:—“Presented to Captain Thomas Houston, by the Glasgow, Largs, and Millport steam-boat Company, as a token of their respect for his integrity, good conduct, and care of their steamer Lady Kelburne under his command.”—Glasgow Herald, March 6, 1846

The Mars and Lady Kelburne were advertised together.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.— On and after Monday, 13th inst., the Mars, Captain M‘Kellar, sails for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, every lawful day, at 9 o’clock morning, and returns same afternoon, arriving at Greenock in time for the 5½ train to Glasgow.

“The Lady Kelburne, Captain Houston, sails, as usual, for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, every lawful day, at 2 o’clock afternoon, returning next morning; and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, proceeds on to Brodick and Lamlash, commencing Wednesday first, 15th instant.—Glasgow, 11th April, 1846.”—Glasgow Herald, April 13, 1846

The full service of the four steamers was gradually introduced.

“Largs, Millport, Arran, and Ardrossan steamers.—On and after Monday, 18th May, the sailings will be as follows:—for Largs and Millport, every morning, at 9 o’clock, train at 10; every afternoon, at ½-past 12 o’clock, train at 1; every afternoon, at 2 o’clock, train at 3; for Brodick and Lamlash, every afternoon, at ½-past 12 o’clock, train at 1; for Ardrossan, every afternoon at 2 o’clock, train at 3.—Glasgow, 14th May, 1846.”—Glasgow Herald, May 18, 1846

“Largs, Millport, Arran, and Ardrossan steamers sail from Glasgow Bridge for Largs and Millport, calling at Greenock and Gourock, every morning at 9 o’clocck, train 10; every afternoon at half-past 12 o’clock, train 1; every afternoon at 2 o’clock, train 3; every afternoon at three-quarters past 3 o’clock, train 5. The boat sailing at half-past 12 proceeds daily to Brodick and Lamlash; and the boat at 2 daily to Ardrossan.

N.B.—Every Saturday the boat sailing at ¾-past 3 will also proceed to Brodick and Lamlash, returning to Glasgow on Monday, leaving Lamlash at 4 o’clock morning, and arriving at Greenock in time for the ½-past 8 train. The ¾-past 3 sailings do not commence till Wednesday, 10th instant.—Glasgow, 6th June, 1846.”—Glasgow Herald, June 9, 1846

The Ardrossan-Arran steam-packet, Isle of Arran continued her usual sailing.

“The Royal Mail steam-packet Isle of Arran. Hours of sailing on and after 1st June next, and til further notice:—From Ardrossan to Brodick and Lamlash, every lawful day, at 10 o’clock on the arrival of the ½-past 7 o’clock train from Glasgow; and from Lamlash at ¼ from 4, and Brodick at ½-past 4 p.m., for Ardrossan, except on Saturdays when she will leave Lamlash at half-past 2 and Brodick at ½-past 3 p.m. In addition to the above, on Mondays from Lamlash at ¼ from 6, and Brodick at ½-past 6 morning, for Ardrossan, in time for the first train to Glasgow; and on Saturdays from Ardrossan for Arran, at 5 o’clock evening, on the arrival of the ½-past 3 special train from Glasgow.—Lamlash, 26th May, 1846.”—Glasgow Herald, June 1, 1846

In August, the firm of Messrs Barr & M‘Nab went into sequestration.

“Edinburgh Gazette.—August 13, Barr & M‘Nab Engineers, Founders. and Boat Builders in Paisley and Renfrew, as a Company, and John Barr, Engineer, Founder, and Boat Builder there, sole surviving Partner of that Company, and as an Individual—Creditors meet in the writing-chambers of Messrs. Reid and Henderson, Paisley, 22d August and 12th September, one o’clock.”—Caledonian Mercury, August 17, 1846

The exact cause of the demise of the firm are not clear but “contract failures” was the term Barr used. In the previous year they had moved from the small Abercorn yard on the Cart to much larger premises at Renfrew on the Clyde, and perhaps they had over-extended their capital. Perhaps restricted access to their favoured naval architects, the brothers Denny, who had set up in shipbuilding on their own behalf in Dumbarton, contributed. Barr & M‘Nab’s order book seems rather sparse, and so perhaps it was competition from the other iron shipbuilders who were rising to prominence, Messrs Wingate, and especially Messrs Tod & MacGregor. The Renfrew yard was sold early the following year.

“Valuable ground and works on the Clyde, for sale.—To be sold by Public Roup, within the Royal Exchange Sale Room, Glasgow, on Tuesday the 26th day of January next, at two o’clock afternoon.—The extensive and valuable boat building premises and ground, at Renfrew, belonging to the sequestered estate of Messrs Barr and M‘Nab, with the whole buildings thereon, and machinery, fittings, and implements therewith connected. The ground extends to four imperial acres, and is bounded on the North-North-East by the Clyde, along which it extends 336 feet 6 inches, on the North-North-West by the lands of Mr. Campbell of Blythswood, along which it extends 460 feet, on the South West 376 feet or thereby, on the line defined on the ground by March stones, and on the South East by East by lands belonging to the Magistrates of Renfrew, along which it extends 576 feet 6 inches. The Feu Duty payable for the subjects is only £88.

“The premises have been fitted up on the most approved principle, and are admirably adapted for ship or boat building or for engineering purposes, having as extensive front to the river, and from their proximity to the Renfrew and Paisley Railway, which is about to be amalgamated with the Ayrshire Railway Company, there is every facility for internal communication. From the perfect state in which the works are, they may be started by a purchaser without a week’s delay.

“For further particulars apply to Archibald Hodge, accountant, in Paisley, Trustee on the above Sequestrated Estate, who will exhibit an inventory of the utensils and machinery; or to Robert Thomson, writer, 76 George Square, Glasgow, by either of whom further the information will be given.—Glasgow, 15th December, 1846.”—Glasgow Chronicle, December 23, 1846

John Barr was a young man, just 37 years of age when this business downturn occurred. In 1852, he emigrated to New Zealand where he had a farm near Otago before moving to Dunedin in 1857. A man of many talents, he published a book of his poetry in 1861; none of his poems refer to his time on the Clyde. Another John Barr began shipbuilding in Glasgow in the year he left his native soil.

On the Largs and Millport station, as the season ended, the less popular timings were withdrawn.

“Alteration of sailings.—The steamer hitherto sailing from Glasgow Bridge to Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport at ¾-past three o’clock, will be discontinued on and after Thursday first the 24th inst., and the steamer sailing at two o’clock will discontinue proceeding to Ardrossan on and after same date, remaining at Millport. The hours of leaving Lamlash will be six o’clock and Brodick ½-past six o’clock till farther notice.—Glasgow, 21st September, 1846”—Glasgow Courier, September 22, 1846

“Largs, Millport, and Arran, steamers.—Winter arrangements.—On and after Monday next, the 12th instant, all the present hours of sailing will be discontinued, and one of these steamers will then leave Glasgow Bridge, for Largs and Millport, every afternoon one o’clock, proceeding to Brodick and Lamlash every Wednesday and Saturday, till farther notice. The steamer returning arrives in Greenock every morning for the ½-past 10 train. A boat will also sail for Greenock and Gourock every afternoon at half-past three o’clock.—Glasgow, 5th Oct., 1846.”—Glasgow Herald, October 9, 1846

Cheap pleasure sailings were provided for the October harvest holiday.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran, steamers sail for Largs and Millport, every afternoon, at one o’clock, proceeding to Brodick and Lamlash every Wednesday and Saturday, except on Wednesday first, the 21st instant, when the steamer will sail for Largs and Millport only.

“Cheap pleasure sailing.—On Thursday first, the 22d instant, these steamers will sail as follows:—for Largs, Millport, and Brodick at ½-past 7 morning; for Largs and Millport at 8 morning; for Largs and Millport at 9 morning; returning to Glasgow in the evening. Fares for the whole day’s sailing to Brodick, cabin 2s.;  steerage 1s. 6d.— to Largs and Millport, cabin 1s. 6d.; steerage 1s.—Glasgow, 19th Oct., 1846.”—Glasgow Herald, October 19, 1846

The new consortium on the Largs, Millport, and Arran route thrived.

“The Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers, now sail as under from Glasgow Bridge:—For Largs and Millport, every morning at 9 o’clock, train at 10; every afternoon at 2 o’clock, train at 3. The two o’clock boat proceeds to Brodick and Lamlash every Wednesday and Saturday. The Largs boat at three-quarters past 2 is now discontinued.—Glasgow 17th April, 1847,”—Glasgow Herald, April 19, 1847

In the summer, Millport had four steamers calling, two of which returned to Glasgow on the same day. The first boat from Glasgow in the afternoon continued to Arran.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.—Summer arrangements.—On and after Friday next, the 4th June, these steamers will sail from Glasgow Bridge Wharf for Largs & Millport, every morning at 9 o’clock, train at ½-past 10 o’clock; every morning at 10 o’clock, train at 12 o’clock; every afternoon at 2 o’clock, train at 3 o’clock; every afternoon at ¼-past 3 o’clock, train at 5 o’clock. The two o’clock boat will proceed daily to Brodick and Lamlash. The present sailing at half-past twelve will be discontinued, and also the steamer to Ardrossan.—Glasgow 31st May, 1847,”—Glasgow Herald, May 31, 1847

“The steamers Lady Kelburne, Invincible, Mars, and Lady Brisbane, sail from Glasgow Bridge Wharf, as follow, viz.:—For Largs & Millport, every morning at 9 o’clock, train at ½-past 10 o’clock; every morning at 10 o’clock, train at 12 o’clock; every afternoon at 2 o’clock, train at 3 o’clock; every afternoon at ¼-past 3 o’clock o’clock, train at 5 o’clock. For Brodick and Lamlash every afternoon at 2 o’clock, train at 3 o’clock.

“N.B.—The steamer that sailed at half-past ten o’clock forenoon, which has been off the station for a few days; resumes plying to-morrow, (Saturday,) as usual.—Glasgow 2d July, 1847.”—Glasgow Herald, July 2, 1847

During the Fair holidays, the morning departures provided cheap excursions.

“The steamers Lady Kelburne, Invincible, Mars, and Lady Brisbane, sail from Glasgow Bridge Wharf, as follow, viz.:—For Largs & Millport, every morning at 9 o’clock, train at ½-past 10 o’clock; every morning at 10 o’clock, train at 12 o’clock; every afternoon at 2 o’clock, train at 3 o’clock; every afternoon at ¼-past 3 o’clock o’clock, train at 5 o’clock. For Brodick and Lamlash every afternoon at 2 o’clock, train at 3 o’clock.

“On Saturday, 17th July (to-morrow,) a steamer will sail from Glasgow Bridge Wharf for Largs & Millport, at half-past six o’clock evening, returning early on Monday morning.

“Cheap pleasure sailing.—The two morning steamers from Glasgow return in the evening; and passengers by the first, may return (if they prefer it) with the later boat, and by this means have fully four hours to spend at Largs, and three at Millport. Fares for the whole day’s sailing:—From Glasgow and back, cabin, 2s.; steerage, 1s. 6d. From Greenock or Gourock and back, cabin, 1s. 6d.; steerage, 1s.”—Glasgow 16th July, 1847.”—Glasgow Herald, July 16, 1847

The first visit of Queen Victoria to the Clyde in August provided some disruption and an opportunity to secure fine profits from a day on the river.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.— The sailings of the  Lady Kelburne, Invincible, Lady Brisbane, and Mars, steamers, to and from the abovementioned ports, will be discontinued on Monday the 16th, and resumed on Tuesday the 17th inst. Passengers will have an opportunity of coming to Greenock from these ports, per Lady Kelburne, early in the morning, and returning on the evening of Monday.—Glasgow, 10th August, 1847.”—Glasgow Chronicle, August 11, 1847

The arrangements were expensive. Only the well-to-do could afford 10 shillings.

“The Queen’s visit.—The following arrangements have been made for the Lady Kelburne, Invincible, and Lady Brisbane steamers, on Monday 16th current. The Lady Brisbane and Invincible sail from Glasgow Bridge Wharf, at 5 o’clock morning, and proceeding down the Clyde, will join the General Rendezvous off Greenock, and accompany the other steamers to meet the Royal Squadron, and continue to sail with them during the day. So far as will permit, these steamers return to Glasgow about 8 o’clock evening. The Lady Kelburne will sail from Lamlash precisely at 4 o’clock morning, calling at Brodick, Millport, and Largs, to Greenock; from thence proceed with the other steamers to meet the Royal Squadron, and accompany them during the day, as above, returning from Greenock to Largs, Millport, and Arran, in the evening. Fares for the whole day’s sailing 10 shillings.

“No one admitted on board without a ticket, which may be had at the Steam Packet Office, 32, St Enoch’s Square, or at the Company’s Box on the Quay; from Mr Bannantyne, Innkeeper, Lamlash; Mrs Jamieson, Innkeeper Brodick; R. S Ewing, Esq., Millport; or Robert Glenn, Esq., Largs. As the number of tickets to be issued is limited by the register tonnage of the vessels, early application is requested.—Glasgow August 10, 1847.”—North British Daily Mail, August 14, 1847

The Royal party failed to make the Clyde on Monday the 16th, and the whole schedule was repeated on Tuesday the 17th when the event took place.

“Alteration of sailings.—Largs, Millport, and Arran steamer.—On and after Monday first, 4th Oct., and till further notice, the sailings will be as follows:—to Largs and Millport, every morning at 9 o’clock.—to Largs and Millport, every afternoon at 2; train 3. The 2 o’clock boat proceeds to Brodick and Lamlash on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. The boat hitherto sailing at 4 o’clock afternoon will be discontinued after Saturday first, 2d October.—Glasgow, 29th Sept., 1847.”—North British Daily Mail, September 30, 1847.

At the autumn harvest holiday, most of the steamers were involved in excursions.

“Cheap pleasure sailing.—On Thursday first, 21st October, 1847, the steamer Lady Kelburne, Capt. Houston, will sail from the Broomielaw Bridge Wharf, for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Millport, Brodick, and Lamlash, at seven o’clock morning, returning in the evening. Fares going and returning same day, to Largs or Millport, cabin, 2s.; steerage, 1s. 6d.—to Brodick or Lamlash, cabin 2s. 6d.; steerage, 2s.

“The steamers Mars, Capt. M‘Kenzie, and Lady Brisbane, Capt. A M‘Kellar, will sail for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, Thursday morning, 21st inst., at half-past 7 o’clock; Thursday morning, 21st inst., at 9 o’clock; returning in the evening. Fares to Greenock and Gourock only, cabin, 1s.; steerage, 6d. Fares to Largs and Millport, going and returning same day, cabin, 2s.; steerage, 1s. 6d. Tickets issued on board either of the above boats, will be received by the latest return boat from Largs and Millport that evening.

N.B.—There will be no boat to Arran at 2 o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, 20th inst.—Glasgow, October 19.”—North British Daily Mail, October 19, 1847

As the year ended the less essential services were discontinued.

“Notice.—The steamer for Largs at 9 o’clock a.m., is, on and after this date, discontinued until further notice.—Nov. 10, 1847”—North British Daily Mail, November 10, 1847

The Isle of Arran also entered her winter service.

“The Isle of Arran steamer will sail, after 22d instant, and till further notice, from Ardrossan to Arran, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at half-past twelve noon, on the arrival of the half-past ten train from Glasgow; and from Arran to Ardrossan on Mondays and Thursdays, leaving Lamlash at eleven forenoon, and Brodick at twelve noon.—Lamlash, 15th Nov., 1847.”—Glasgow Herald, November 19, 1847

The new year saw little change.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.—On and after Wednesday, 3d instant, and till further notice, the sailings will be as follows:—To Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, every lawful day at nine o’clock morning, half-past twelve, and two o’clock afternoon. The steamer at half-past twelve will proceed to Brodick and Lamlash.—Glasgow, May 1, 1848.”—Glasgow Gazette, May 6, 1848

The advertisements give some idea of the allocation of the different steamers to the various sailings. The Invincible took the 9 o’clock morning sailing, and the Lady Brisbane was on the 2 o’clock afternoon sailing that continued to Arran.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.—On and after Monday first, 13th instant, the steamer Invincible, Captain M‘Kellar, will sail from Glasgow every lawful day for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, at nine o’clock morning, returning same afternoon; leaving Millport about a quarter past two, Largs about three, and Greenock at Five.

The steamer Lady Brisbane, Captain Houston, sails every lawful day, for same places, at two o’clock afternoon, returning next morning; and on Saturdays proceeds to Brodick and Lamlash.”—Glasgow, March 7, 1848.”—Glasgow Herald, March 10, 1848.

Early in the year, the Isle of Arran was involved in some public service.

“The brig Jane and Martha of Belfast, while bound for Troon, went ashore near Irvine Bar, about a fortnight ago; she was got off on Thursday by the crew, assisted by a number of colliers and labourers of Stevenston. On her setting out again for Troon, about fifteen of them resolved to take the trip thither. Their relatives learning they had not reached their destined port, and hearing nothing for four days of their safety, got much alarmed. Their indefatigable wives and mothers were anxiously waiting the arrival of the Isle of Arran steamer from Lamlash, at Ardrossan, on Monday afternoon last, when they had the joyous satisfaction of saluting on the quay their supposed lost husbands and sons, somewhat to the amazement of the onlookers. The vessel from the winds being contrary, and want of proper ballast, (part of it having been thrown overboard to get her off,) could not take Troon, and they were obliged to go to Lamlash. She was towed over by the Arran steamer to Troon, on the morning of Monday last.—Greenock advertiser.”—Glasgow Chronicle, February 9, 1848

“The Isle of Arran steamer, will not ply betwixt Arran and Ardrossan, for a short time, after the 13th instant, as she is about to receive her usual annual repairs.—Lamlash, 4th April, 1848.”—Glasgow Herald, April 4, 1848

In June, a new route opened from Ayr to Arran, with a rail connection at Troon.

“Steamers sail from Ayr and Troon, in connection with the Ayr Railway, during the month of June, as follows:—From Ayr and Troon to Campbelton, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, leaving Ayr at a quarter-past 4, and Troon at 5 afternoon; train from Glasgow at half-past 3; returning from Campbelton Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 10 morning; From Ayr and Troon to Brodick and Lamlash, every Saturday afternoon, leaving Ayr at a quarter-past 5, and Troon at 6; train from Glasgow to Troon at half-past 4; Kilmarnock, a quarter-past 5; returning on Monday mornings—from Lamlash half-past 8, and Brodick about 9 o’clock.—Glasgow, June 1, 1848.”—Glasgow Herald, June 2, 1848.

Campbeltown sailings from Ayr had been pioneered by Queen of Scots in the early 1840s but in 1848, when the railway connection to Troon harbour was opened, the Stranraer steamer was Scotia.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.—Summer arrangements, commencing the 29th May, 1848. The steamers will sail from Glasgow Bridge Wharf, till further notice, as follows:— Lady Kelburne, Invincible, Mars, and Lady Brisbane, for Largs & Millport, every morning, at 9 o’clock, train at 10; every afternoon,  at half-past 12 o’clock, train at 1; every afternoon, at 2 o’clock, train at 3; every afternoon at half-past 4 o’clock, train at 5. The half-past 12 o’clock boat does not call at Fairley. For Brodick and Lamlash, every afternoon at half-past twelve o’clock. The present sailing at half-past twelve will be discontinued, and also the steamer to Ardrossan.—Glasgow 25th May, 1848,”—Glasgow Herald, May 26, 1848

Glasgow Fair provided an opportunity for more excursions.

“Glasgow Fair.—Cheap pleasure sailing.—The steamer Mars will sail from the Glasgow Bridge Wharf, on Saturday morning, 15th July, at nine o’clock for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport; returning in the evening. Passengers will have fully an hour to remain on shore at Millport. Fares, going and returning, cabin, 3s.; steerage, 2s.

“The steamer Invincible will sail same day for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, at half-past nine o’clock morning; remain at Millport about two hours, and return to Glasgow in the evening. Fares, going and returning, cabin, 3s.; steerage, 2s.

“N.B.—The Mars will sail again from Glasgow, on Saturday, at eight o’clock evening, for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport. There will be no boat sailing for the above places at half-past four o’clock afternoon on Saturday 15th July.—Glasgow, 12th July, 1848.”—Glasgow Herald, July 14, 1848

“Pleasure sailing.—The steamer Invincible will sail from the Glasgow Bridge Wharf, on Monday morning the 17th July, at nine o’clock for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport; returning in the evening. Passengers will have about two hours to remain on shore at Millport. Fares, going and returning, cabin, 3s.; steerage, 2s.

“The steamer Mars will sail same day for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, at half-past twelve o’clock afternoon; returning in the evening. Fares, going and returning, cabin, 3s.; steerage, 2s.

“N.B.—Passengers for Brodick and Lamlash, on Monday, go by the two o’clock boat instead of the half-past twelve.—Glasgow, 13th July, 1848.”—Glasgow Herald, July 14, 1848

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamer.—For the better accommodation of families removing from the coast, on Monday, 31st July, 1848, the steamer Lady Brisbane will sail at the following hours on that morning only:—From Lamlash at half-past eight, Brodick at nine, Millport half-past ten, Largs eleven, and Gourock at twelve o’clock.

“N.B.—There will be no earlier boat, from Lamlash or Brodick direct to Glasgow, on that day.—Glasgow, 27th July, 1848.”—Glasgow Herald, July 28, 1848

At the end of the year, just before Christmas in 1848, a severe gale badly damaged the pier at Millport. It had been rebuilt after a similar incident in 1845 when the Countess had been wrecked. Lady Brisbane was on service in the teeth of the gale, and made it as far as Wemyss Bay but had to turn back to Greenock. There was a further sad note when the boatman at Lamlash was drowned.

“Lamlash Arran.—Fatal accident.—On Monday morning last, about half past five o’clock, as the steamer Lady Brisbane was leaving Lamlash Loch for Glasgow, while John Nicol, porter to the Glasgow and Arran steamers was proceeding in a small boat from her to the quay, accompanied by Robert Stirling, a sudden heavy surge of the sea upset the boat. Stirling fortunately got on top of the boat, and was saved; but we regret to state that Nicol, notwithstanding all exertions, and being unable to swim, perished. His body came ashore on the beach about ten minutes after the accident. He was the principal support of an aged, widowed mother, and unmarried, was very steady and remarked for his obliging deportment.”—Glasgow Courier, December 30, 1848

Again, the beginning of the new year brought little change, but a new steamer, for the Arran service, had been ordered from Messrs Tod & M‘Gregor. The new steamer was the largest in the fleet; 156 in length by 18 feet in the beam, and a powerful engine of 100 h.p. supplied by her builders.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.—On and after Thursday next, 1st March, the Lady Kelburne will sail from Glasgow for Largs and Millport, every afternoon at 2 o’clock, train at 3, proceeding to Brodick and Lamlash, every Wednesday and Saturday. Also, on and after the 5th March, the Mars will leave Glasgow for Largs and Millport, every morning at 9 o’clock, returning in the evening.—Glasgow, 26th February, 1849.”—Glasgow Herald, February 26, 1849

“Launch.—There was launched from the building yard of Messrs Tod & M‘Gregor, on Tuesday last, a beautiful steamer for the Largs station, called the Star. She is, we believe, the only river steamer built this season, and, we have no doubt, will add to the reputation of these gentlemen.”—Glasgow Herald, April 13, 1849

Drawing of the Star from a glass slide of a painting

With the new steamer, the Company was able to provide an additional sailing.

“Largs, Millport, and Arran steamers.—Additional sailings.—On and after Saturday first, 28th instant, the steamer Lady Kelburne will sail for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, and Millport, every afternoon, at half-past four o’clock (till further notice), returning in the morning in time for the half-past eight o’clock train at Greenock.—Glasgow, 25th April, 1849.”—Glasgow Herald, April 27, 1849.

“The Isle of Arran steamer will (until further notice), sail from Ardrossan to Arran, every Monday morning, at three-quarters-past 9 o’clock, after the arrival of the half-past 7  train from Glasgow; returning in the afternoon, leaving Lamlash, at half-past three, and Brodick, at half-past four p.m., for the 6.45 train to Glasgow. And also, on Saturday evenings, from Ardrossan, at half-past six, on the arrival of the four and a-half train from Glasgow, returning on Monday mornings, for the quarter-past eight train from Ardrossan.

“As a pleasure trip is intended every Wednesday (weather permitting), the steamer may not arrive in time for the train to Glasgow that evening.—Lamlash, 28th May, 1849.”—Glasgow Herald, June 1, 1849

Brodick

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers.—Summer arrangements, commencing 1st June, 1849.— The steamers Star, Lady Kelburne, Lady Brisbane, Invincible, and Mars, sail as under:—For Largs and Millport: every morning, at 8, at 9, every afternoon at half-past 12, at 2, at half-past 4. For Bodick and Lamlash: every morning, at 8, every afternoon at 2. For Ardrossan: every afternoon at half-past 12. The boats at 8 and 9 o’clock morning return in the evening. The 2 o’clock boat does not call at Fairlie.

“Fares from Glasgow.—To Largs or Millport, cabin, 1s. 6d.; steerage, 1s.—To Largs or Millport, and back same day, cabin, 2s.; steerage, 1s. 6d.—To Brodick or Lamlash, cabin, 2s.; steerage, 1s. 6d.—To Brodick or Lamlash, and back same day, cabin, 2s. 6d.; steerage, 2s.—To Ardrossan, cabin, 2s.; steerage, 1s. 6d.”—Glasgow Herald, June 1, 1849

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers sail for Largs and Millport every morning, at 8, train at 9; every morning, at 9, train at 10; every afternoon, at half-past 12; every afternoon, at 2, train at 3; ever afternoon, at half-past 4, train at 5—for Brodick and Lamlash, every morning, at 8, train at 9; every afternoon, at 2, train at 3—for Ardrossan, every afternoon, at half-past 12.”—Glasgow Herald, June 4, 1849

In June, Lady Brisbane had some excitement.

“On Tuesday evening, an old sloop, apparently in the coal trade, with three or four hands on board, got on the rocks in the bay of Millport, and the sea being somewhat rough, with a strong breeze blowing on shore, and night coming on, she must in a few hours have gone to pieces, but for the assistance opportunely rendered by the Lady Brisbane steamer, Captain John M‘Kellar. On leaving the quay at Millport, on his voyage to Arran, Captain M‘Kellar observing her jeopardy, immediately steered for the sloop, and managing to get sufficiently near, he threw a strong hawser on board, by means of which he succeeded in getting her off the rocks, and very kindly towed her into the middle of the channel, off Fairlie. Some delay was of course caused by this act of humanity, but the passengers, although anxious to reach Arran before dark, give it, we believe, their hearty concurrence.”—Greenock Advertiser, June 5, 1849

Millport Pier

“Brodick Fair.—The Lady Kelburne steamer will sail from Glasgow Bridge Wgharf, on Tuesday, 26th instant, at half-past four o’clock morning, for Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Brodick, returning to Glasgow in the evening.

N.B.—There will be no boat for Largs, or Millport, or Arran on the above morning at eight o’clock.—Glasgow, 23rd June, 1849.”—Glasgow Herald, June 25, 1849

One of the more interesting events was the afternoon when a bull was let loose on the Invincible.

“A bull on board a steamer.—On Wednesday afternoon, the passengers from Largs, by the steamer Invincible, were put into a state of the utmost alarm and consternation by the extraordinary conduct of several parties on board. It appears that there was a bull upon deck, which, for safety, was secured in the usual manner by a ring through the nose. The parties referred to, either from mischief or other more questionable motive, succeeded, after the steamer had passed Renfrew, in irritating the animal to such a degree, that it broke the fastening and obtained its liberty. The scene which ensued on board may be better imagined than described. The passengers, in an agony of fright and apprehension, fled pell-mell, and many a narrow escape was made from a broken neck when endeavouring to get out of the reach of the infuriated animal, which, maddened by the treatment it had been previously receiving, and the extraordinary appearance of the deck, rushed hither and thither, spreading dismay and terror wherever he approached. The serious consequences which might have happened it is easy to foresee, but fortunately any fatal result was prevented by the proceedings of the animal itself, which, after taking the full scope of the deck for a few minutes, during which time, as may be imagined, there was no one bold enough to encounter him, he at last deliberately leaped overboard. This step at once, of course, put an end to all apprehension, and the poor animal was left to its fate, though it is most probable it would reach the shore. After the alarm had subsided, the parties, four in number, who had been the occasion of the whole occurrence, were singled out, and on the arrival of the Invincible at the Broomielaw, handed over to the police, by whom they have, since that time, been detained for examination. No more serious consequences have happened from the alarming occurrence than a few trifling injuries received by one or two of the passengers, in their hurry to escape from the infuriated animal.”—Glasgow Chronicle, June 27, 1849

The subsequent court case provides a few more details.

“Renfrewshire Sheriff Court.—The Largs steam-boat and the bull case.—Our readers will remember that in the close of June last, a great deal of alarm was excited, and some injury sustained, from a bull having been let loose in a crowded steamer on her passage from Largs to Glasgow, which after dashing along the decks, either sprang or fell over the stern into the Clyde. It was believed at the time that the animal had been loosened and excited by some vagrant fellows, that they might be enabled to plunder the passengers during the confusion, and accordingly two or three were apprehended, but during the investigation all were dismissed but one, whose trial came up on Wednesday last before the Sheriff Substitute at Paisley.

“The indictment charged Duncan M‘Arthur, an itenerant confectioner, with assault, as also malicious mischief, in so far as on 20th June last, he being then, with other passengers, on board the Invincible steamer, plying between Millport, Largs, and Glasgow, and a bull, the property of James Brown, flesher, in Main Street, Gorbals, being on board the vessel, and secured to a windless on the bow by means of a rope and a leading ring, which latter was secured by a screw to the nose of the animal; and while the vessel was on its passage towards Glasgow, and that part of the Clyde, near Haugh of Elderslie, in the parish and shire of Renfrew, the said Duncan M‘Arthur did wickedly and feloniously annoy, strike, and excite the said bull; and having thus raised and infuriated the animal, did then by unscrewing the leading ring, let loose the bull upon the passengers in the vessel, whereby they were thrown into a state of great terror and alarm, and several of them were injured, and endangered; and in particular Catherine Henderson or Bulloch, wife of James Bulloch tobacconist, Argyle Street, was knocked down by the bull, trampled upon, and severely injured on various parts of the body, and was for a time rendered insensible; and Margaret Braid or Brown, wife of the said James Brown, in order to escape from the bull, having thrown herself into a life-boat suspended at the stern of the vessel, and having been followed thither by the bull, was injured by the animal, and put in great danger of being precipitated from the boat into the river; and Isabella Forrester or Brown wife of John Brown, agent, Great Hamilton Street, having, in her effort to escape, ran towards the cabin door of the vessel, was precipitated down the stair, and was thus bruised and injured. The panel was also alternatively charged with maliciously annoying and exciting the bull, by which it got loose from its fastenings, and committed the above damages.

“Panel pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of malicious mischief as libelled.

“The Procurator Fiscal accepted this plea. It appeared upon investigation that the ring was not originally of the strongest construction, and had a weak part precisely at the place which would be exposed to the greatest strain, and had probably yielded to the strain of the bull, when excited by the panel, and that thus the animal broke loose, rather than that the panel had intentionally unscrewed or loosened the ring. Had the latter been the case, he would have stood at the bar of the Circuit Court, probably to have received a sentence of transportation. Under these circumstances the panel was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, in addition to the three months he has already undergone.—Glasgow Chronicle, September 12, 1849

The new Star had maternity duties in August.

“Unexpected birth.—On Friday night week, shortly after the Star steamer had left Millport, on her voyage to Arran, it was announced that a female passenger had become ill; and as Drs. A. D. Anderson and Crawford of Glasgow were on board, they immediately tendered their services. In a few minutes, by the assistance of the latter, the poor woman was delivered of a fine female child. As soon as the circumstance became known, Captain M‘Kellar, with his usual kindness, set agoing a subscription amongst the passengers which soon amounted to 30s; and he himself presented her with a pair of English blankets, to warm the unexpected passenger. This case is principally worthy of notice by reason that the poor woman was much better attended in her hour of travail on board the steamer than she could possibly have been at home; for it so happens that her home is a cave on the shore between Brodick and the Corrie. She is the wife of a sort of tinker, who is not the best behaved husband in the world; but her own character has been unexceptionable, and she belongs to decent folks in the neighbourhood of Beith.”—Glasgow Gazette, September 1, 1849

An outbreak of cholera at Millport in September provided an abrupt end to the season for some.

“Panic at Millport (From the Railway and Shipping Journal.) —On Monday, the well-frequented sea bathing town of Millport was the scene of much excitement, in consequence of a sudden outbreak of cholera. According to a contemporary, there were no fewer than six deaths, several of the victims having been in comparative health, and attending church the day before. They were chiefly inhabitants of the place: one of them was Mr Malcolm Sinclair, a respectable grocer; another, a mason, named Charles Patterson; and the third Mr N. Kennedy, the harbour master; and in all cases that have ended fatally, the malady ran its course with appalling rapidity. Some affecting incidents connected with this visitation of cholera at Millport have occurred. One young lad took ill on Sunday, died in a few hours, and was buried on Monday. His mother, influenced by the panic that had now seized nearly the whole population, prepared to leave Millport by the steamer in the afternoon, taking a child with her that was labouring under hydrocephalus. While waiting on the quay the arrival of the steamer, the poor child expired. Another case, scarcely less distressing, has been relate. When the steamer Invincible was lying at the quay, and the people were eagerly crowding into her to escape the pestilence, a female became so absorbed in the idea of her own preservation, that she forgot a young infant folded in her bosom, and getting into the thickest of the crowd, where everyone thought only of self, she was so crushed that, on being relieved, and unfolding her shawl, the child was found to have been killed by suffocation. The Invincible could not take the half of the people that wanted to get on board; but the steamer Mars, belonging to the same company, made an extra trip on Monday night, after going down to Ardrossan, and took from the island the remaining portion of the people who wanted to get away. It is unfortunate that such overwhelming fear should get possession of a community, as in the present case; all violent emotions, and particularly that of fear, being universally acknowledged as directly predisposing the system to attacks of the malady in its most virulent form. The frantic state of the people where in is described as having been most painful to witness. The bell of the Free Church commenced ranging between 2 and 3 o’clock, summoning them to send up a united fervent petition to the Almighty; and while some few were wending their way to the house of prayer, the majority were hurrying about, getting their furniture in readiness for removal by the steamer, while every cart, and barrow, and porter’s back was put in requisition.”—Glasgow Herald, September 7, 1849

The Star had a brief breakdown in September.

“The steamer Star.—On Saturday afternoon while the fine new steamer Star was on her way down the river with passengers, some part of her machinery gave way while near Govan, and she was compelled to return. Her passengers were forwarded by the next steamer without injury having been sustained by any party on board. We are requested to add that the Star proceeded on her passage down the river within three hours after the above stoppage, and on Monday morning was at her usual station at Arran, ready to sail for Glasgow.”—Glasgow Chronicle, September 26, 1849

“Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran steamers.—Winter arrangements.—On and after Monday, 1st October, the sailings will be as follows:—To Largs, Millport, Ardrossan, and Arran every morning at nine o’clock; returning every morning from Lamlash at nine, and Brodick at half-past nine o’clock, calling at Ardrossan. To Largs and Millport every afternoon at two o’clock, returning next morning.

“N.B.—The boats sailing from Glasgow at half-past twelve and half-past four are discontinued.—Glasgow, 1st October, 1849.”—Glasgow Herald, October 1, 1849

“Glasgow & Ayrshire Railway Guide,” Ayr Advertiser, Ayr, 1841.

“The Millport Route,” Ian McCrorie, Clyde River Steamer Club, Glasgow, 1974.

“Scotia and Caledonia,” Fraser G. MacHaffie, Clyde River Steamer Club, 2013.