Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

In the past the Clyde steamer SCOTIA made "Hogmanay Special" runs to Brodick (Isle of Arran)

   Brodick in the Isle of Arran was very quiet on New Years Day.   A good number of passengers came by the steamer, all being natives of Arran who had come to the Island to visit their families and friends.

   Conditions of travel are very different now.

   In the past Captain Buchanan with his steamer SCOTIA used to give a “Hogmanay Special” evening run to Brodick.   It was a cheery affair, with crew and passengers all in good form.   Even grim old Dan, the Mate, unbent to chaff the passengers and girls.

   The steamer arrived about 6pm (1800 hours) and the only street lighting then was by the paraffin lamps which people carried.   Horse-buses were the only means of public transport, taking two or three hours to make their way to the outlying villages.