WAVERLEY IS POSTED MISSING
What’s really going on with steamer?
An astonishing row has erupted over why the paddle steamer Waverley has vanished from South Ayrshire.
The ghost ship has not made ANY sailings from Ayr this summer in a killer blow for tourism.
Now a verbal spat has broken out as bosses at the ship – the world’s last seafaring paddle steamer – claimed port chiefs BANNED them from docking.
But at the port, officials say it was the Waverley captain’s decision not to visit.
Waverley bosses this week denied turning their back on the town following a growing list of missed departures.
Furious families have been left high and dry following the Waverley’s failure to head doon the watter.
The iconic ship has not berthed in town all summer.
And another two late call- offs this week sparked fury among Ayr passengers who claimed they were left “in the dark”.
A Waverley spokeswoman said: “The health and safety of our customers comes first.
“On Monday, we were advised by the harbourmaster at Ayr not to bring the ship into port.
“Similar weather problems prevented her from sailing on Tuesday morning.
“Unfortunately we have had problems with our website and that meant updating customers wasn’t done as quickly as hoped.
“We always aim to lay on replacement buses so passengers wishing to travel can still meet the boat.”
She added: “We understand people’s concerns but can assure our customers in
Ayr that we remain fully committed to sailing from the town.”
However, bosses at Ayr port denied it was their call to turn the boat away.
A spokesman said: “It was most definitely the captain’s decision to turn back before he reached Ayr.”
Angry passengers who forked out for Monday’s cruise round Ailsa Craig blasted the “shocking” customer service.
Jackie McLean, of Ayr, said: “I got a text 45 minutes before the sail to say it wouldn’t be going.
“And another 100 people had turned up at the harbour who didn’t have a clue.
“We paid £ 57 for two tickets and you expect something better than this. It’s shocking.
“The boat never seems to go from Ayr anymore so you wonder why they’re still bothering.”
Ayr mum Arlene Arcari, 34, was taking her family on a cruise of Loch Fyne on Tuesday.
She said: “It’s the total lack of information that’s unacceptable.
“People are left standing around with no boat and nobody to tell you what’s happening.
“How can they expect people to keep turning up when this is the way they’re being treated?
“The kids were really looking forward to their day but this is a really bad way to start.”
Ayr MP Bill Grant insists bosses at the paddle steamer, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, must up their game.
He said: “The Waverley is a grand old lady of the sea but her paying passengers are entitled to the best information available.
“Tourism is vital to the Ayrshire economy and we can’t have visitors standing about on quay sides wondering when – and indeed if – the boat will come in.
“I totally understand how the weather can impact the Waverley’s schedules.
“But the operators have to respond quickly to the passengers and let them know exactly what’s happening.
“It’s simply not fair to leave people stranded with little or no information. Refunds must also be promptly paid if due.
“A trip on the Waverley can be an idyllic experience but when things go wrong transparency is essential.”