THE PADDLE steamer Waverley looks almost certain to call in at Keppel Pier on the island of Cumbrae to keep the traditional summer sailings going.

The Waverley company are putting the final touches to a deal with the Field Studies Council who own the pier, and North Ayrshire Council, who shocked everyone last week by announcing that Millport Pier was too dangerous for the paddle steamer to call at.

Kathleen O’Neill of Waverley told the ‘News’: “We were obviously disappointed when the news came through that we would be unable to use Millport Pier this year.

“However, we have managed to come up with an alternative which will enable Waverley to continue to bring thousands of passengers this summer, and to keep serving the island community.

“Our Senior Master visited the island last week, and gained permission to call at Keppel Pier, and Cumbrae Coaches have kindly agreed to stop at the pier to pick up passengers, and transfer them to Millport.” North Ayrshire Council confirmed that they will provide staff to help the Waverley dock at Keppel pier, owned by the FSC at Millport Marine Station, “should final inspections find it suitable for docking.” Island councillor Alan Hill said: ““I am absolutely delighted to hear this news and would like to thank very much all those involved for reaching such a speedy conclusion.

"The Waverley has been sailing to Millport for decades and it would have been a tragedy if these much-loved sailings had been forced to stop.

“The council’s hands were tried in terms of the health and safety issues at the main pier and this kind offer from the Field Studies Council is very welcome news.

"This also helps to cement relations between the FSC and the town of Millport itself, as the island’s newest business comes to its aid. I look forward to seeing the Waverley docking at Keppel as this will be the first time in very many years that a vessel of this type has been seen at Keppel pier where the old steamers were a regular sight. Well done to all.” Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, also expressed delight saying: “Millport and the Waverley are synonymous for many people, so it was necessary but disappointing that it could not land at the pier.

“Once again, we have seen the results of the partnership between ourselves, the Field Studies Council and Waverley Excursions. We all understand the importance of tourism for the island, not to mention the island to the Waverley.” Millport Pier has been closed to vehicles and large vessels after an inspection found that the pier was deteriorating faster than anticipated - mainly as a result of severe winter weather in recent years, according to the council.

The access restrictions will ensure the safety of the public and allow the council to carry out a detailed survey which will help to determine the next step.

As a result, no vehicles will be allowed onto the pier and larger vessels, of more than 100 tons, will not be able to dock. Pedestrians and smaller vessels will continue to have access, although there will be natural restrictions at low tide.

Waverley will make a unique sailing on the evening of Thursday 26th June from Largs and Keppel Pier. For one night only the last sea going paddle steamer in the world will depart Largs at 6.30pm, and Keppel at 7pm before steaming through the spectacular Kyles of Bute.

It is very rare that Waverley cruises the Kyles in the evening and there are no records of her doing so from both Largs and Keppel. Initially it was planned that Waverley would sail from Millport Old Pier.

This cruise is being arranged by the registered charity which purchased the steamer for just £1 in August 1974 – the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards keeping Waverley in steam and operating on the Clyde.

This year marks the 40th summer season that Waverley has operated in preservation since being sold by Caledonian MacBrayne. Tickets for the evening sunset cruise are now available at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0845 130 4647.

Further information on access to the pier is available from North Ayrshire Council on 01294-310000.