Old soldiers can’t wait to set sail on the steamer

THEY’VE served their country in conflicts dating back more than three quarters of a century.

From the Second World War to the First Gulf War they have laid their lives on the line.

But as many former servicemen know, once the uniform has been handed back it can be a very different existence.

While safer and quieter, it can also be more isolated and lonely.

All across the country Legion Scotland provide invaluable services and support.

The befriending they do brings individual relief and the comradeship events are great for the community spirit of them all being together.

Willie McMaster knows that only too well.

Willie, 53, from Crosshouse in Ayrshire is a veteran himself.

He was a Guardsman in the 2nd Scots Guard and during the Falklands War in 1982 was one of the brave troops in action on Mount Tumbledown.

He is just stepping down as vice-chairman of the Irvine branch of Legion Scotland. But he is very much still to the fore as Ayrshire Wellbeing coordinator.

As such he has taken it upon himself to make sure that wellbeing is very full indeed.

There are regular outings to the cinema, with the Second World War veterans being transported back to those days with the recent Dad’s Army film.

But there have been fishing days, clay pigeon shooting – and even action-packed days on go-karts.

Willie says he sight of old soldiers in their 70s and 80s haring round the track will live long in the memory.

But today the veterans will team up with a fellow veteran for a very special outing.

He has spent months organising a trip for a party of 20-plus on the Waverley, funded thanks to a Legion grant.

The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer dates back to 1946 – but it will be carrying passengers who are even older.

There will be six Second World War veterans, aged between 89 and 97.

One in particular will relish being on the waves, having served on an aircraft carrier that housed Hurricanes.

But there are representatives of other conflicts, too.

They include Malaya, Korea and Northern Ireland.

They will, of course, be well looked after on the cruise which leaves from Ayr and goes round Ailsa Craig.

And the one thing Willie guarantees he’ll witness, regardless of the weather, is a beaming sea of smiles.