The paddle steamer Waverley is heading back to Ardrossan for the first time in 10 years - as part of a 50th anniversary celebration.

On August 8, 1974, the steamer was handed over by Caledonian MacBrayne to the Waverley Steam Navigation Co, Ltd, a company formed by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.

The sum paid by the new charity to acquire the ship was just £1 - and to celebrate the occasion, all kids will be able to sail on the Waverley's cruise on the special day for just £1.

On August 8, 2024, the Waverley will depart Greenock at 10.15am and call at Dunoon and Largs before reaching Ardrossan at 1.10pm. It will then sail to Brodick, followed by a cruise along the south-east coast of Arran to Pladda and around Holy Isle.

The famous ship will return to Brodick at 4.50pm, arriving back at Ardrossan at 6.20pm, then continuing to Largs, Dunoon and Greenock.

Options are available to sail on the Ardrossan to Arran cruise and for the evening sail up the Clyde coast - or for the full afternoon and evening combined.

For Ardrossan passengers on the evening cruise, a coach connection will be laid on to bring passengers back to Ardrossan, arriving at 10pm.

To book, visit: https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/book/