PLANS have been revealed to bring back the Clyde's golden era through a new international yachting festival.

Fairlie Yacht Club is hoping to welcome old Fife vessels and more to the gala event which will take place next year.

With 2020 designated as the year of Scotland’s coasts and waters, the club want to return the area to its heyday through their Clyde International Classic Yacht Festival, celebrating the classic designs inspired by the river and its great industrial past.

Running from 12 to 19 June next year, they are inviting people to bring their own boats to race and display - as well as welcoming visitors from all over the globe.

Welcoming all classic yachts, it will be a particularly exciting time to see designs built on the Clyde many years ago from designers such as Fairlie's very own Fife, as well as Boyd, Milne and Watson, sailing back in to the area.

A spokesperson for Fairlie Yacht Club said: “There is a considerable amount of planning to be done over the next several months, but the early release of dates is essential to allow classic yachts based in warmer climates enough time to work the event into their plans for 2020.

“It will be a particularly exciting time to see designs built on the Clyde many years ago from designers such as Fairlie's very own Fife, as well as Boyd, Milne and Watson, sailing back in to the area.

"We are hoping for a good turnout, particularly vessels with a connection to the area. There are several other internationally renowned designers from the Clyde, such as David Boyd, Alfred Milne, and GL Watson and we hope to get good support from owners of their creations.

“The invitation though is to all classic yachts, no matter what their origins."

Entry forms will be made available in June.

The club spokesperson added: “The Clyde was a prominent venue on the yacht racing circuit before the Second World War, so we will also be celebrating the superb waters and scenery that the river has to offer.

“The event will hopefully probably start in Fairlie and Largs, moving up the Firth to Holy Loch and Rothesay later in the week, however this is still to be officially confirmed.

“Due to the potential size of the event, we have already spoken with local and national authorities.

“There will be a program of shore based social activities to complement the ‘on the water’ program, so we hope the festival will not only be a first-class yachting event, but a showcase for our area - and a major tourist attraction.”

There are also plans to bring a lively programme of social events throughout the week to run in partnership with the gala.