Doon the watter we go

Don’t forget to go ‘doon the watter’.

Travelling by boat has been a popular pursuit ever since Henry Bell launched Europe’s first commercially successful paddle steamer service began in 1812.

And it probably reached the height of its popularity in the 1950’s and 1960’s

What’s more, in the 1960’s many people bought cine cameras and filmed their holidays.

And this has led to an incredible archive of holidays filmed by local people going ‘doon the watter’ to Rothesay, Dunnon and Arran.

Richard Week, who looks after Renfrewshire Council’s film archive, said: “Paisley Museum has been working with the Paisley Camcorder Club to gather local films about the subject and we have been asked by the Weave or Sma’ Shot Festival to put together a show.

“We have worked with the National Library of Scotland moving image archive as well as commissioning work from local writers Alex Cathcart and Jonathan Swann and live music from pianist Alistair Ian Patterson.

“The filmshow is sure to provoke many fond memories and remind many people of the happy summers before the advent of package holidays.

“We also have rare footage of lots of the steamers which took people Doon the Watter.”

Take your memories to Paisley Art Centre on Saturday, July 7, at 3pm and 7pm. Admission is £2.

Call the box office on 0300 300 1210.