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Shieldhall Cruise 2005
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Steaming for Seabirds Cruise
Saturday 16th July 2005

Listed as a SeaScotland Event


9th July 2005
Tickets for our full day cruise are now sold out and we have names on our waiting list. We still have tickets for the single journey between Greenock and Fairlie or vice versa. You may, however, be interested in alternative public sailings on the Shieldhall whilst she is on the Clyde.
Tuesday 19th July: Greenock down Bute Sound and Inchmarnock
Wednesday 20th July: Greenock to Rothesay and Loch Striven
Friday 22nd - Mon 25th July: Glasgow River Festival
Tuesday 26th July: Glasgow to Greenock via Loch Long
Wednesday 27th July: Clyde River Steamer Club cruise. Details from John Newth. Tel: 01369 706865.

Unless otherwise indicated (CRSC Cruise) bookings and further details are available from Blue Funnel Cruises on 023 8022 3278.

6th June 2005
We are sorry to announce that following discussions with the Solent Steam Packet Limited (operators of the Shieldhall), Clydeport, and the MCA, we have been advised that due to the low tide there is unlikely to be sufficient water available at Tarbert at our projected arrival time to allow the Shieldhall to berth safely. We have explored all options, including scheduling a later arrival time, but this would seriously delay our return back to Greenock until well after 2300 hours, which subsequently would extend the voluntary crew’s working hours unacceptably. As such we regret that have been left with no option but to cancel our call at Tarbert and the subsequent 1 hour's Loch Fyne cruise.

We will still be heading over towards Loch Fyne but the final decision of the exact route and whether we can attempt a berthing at Tarbert will be made by the Shieldhall’s master on the day of the cruise. Our overall cruising time is not expected to change significantly from that already published and our morning departure times from Greenock (1000) and Fairlie (1230) remain as published.

All passengers are being contacted about this late change.

• Passengers who have already booked tickets from Tarbert will receive a full refund.
• Passengers who were due to disembark at Tarbert are being given the option of either paying an extra £5 for the full day's cruise or receiving a full refund.


The Clydebuilt Steamship Shieldhall is celebrating her Golden Jubilee this summer, and to commemorate the event she will be on the Clyde for two weeks in July 2005. The North Ayrshire RSPB Group have organised a charter on her for Saturday 16th July, sailing from Greenock, then down to Fairlie, and then over towards North Arran and Loch Fyne. Passenger numbers are limited to only 150 people on any given leg of the journey, so book early to avoid disappointment as tickets will sell out fast. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cruise Details
Departing at 1000 from Greenock's Customhouse Quay (click for map), we will head down the Clyde to the old MOD pier at Fairlie, now owned by Fairlie Quay Marina (click for map). Departing Fairlie at 1230 we will head over towards north Arran and Loch Fyne before turning and arriving back at Fairlie at around 1830, and Greenock at around 2100. Meals and refreshments will be available for purchase on board Shieldhall. Guided tours of the bridge and the steam engines will also be available, as will musical entertainment, illustrated talks and films, and a raffle. Shieldhall also has its own small giftshop.

Ticket prices are shown below. A waiting list is in operation for all-day tickets. You can add your name to it by clicking here. Single journey tickets from Greenock - Fairlie or vice versa are still available.

There will be free parking at both Fairlie and Greenock for passengers. At Greenock, the parking should be on Custom House Quay itself. Follow the RSPB or Shieldhall signs past the front of the Customs House building towards the eastern end of the quayside. At Fairlie we are hoping to be able to park cars securely on the jetty itself. Again follow the RSPB signs on the day. Further information on the Shieldhall is available from the Solent Steam Packet Company's website at www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk.

* Given sufficient demand, return transport from Greenock to Largs/Fairlie may be available at the end of the cruise.
Please indicate on the booking form whether you would be interested in this offer.