On Friday the 17th. August 2007, 15 Brethren from Lodge “The Gael”, their wives, partners, family, friends and neighbours making a total representation from our Lodge of 65, accompanied the Brethren of Lodge Tower on this unique and historic occasion.

As the total number of 671 persons lined the quay-side to board the vessel, we were able to enjoy being played onto the Waverley to the sound of the pipes being played by two members of Lodge “The Gael”: Brother John Gillies MacLennan PM, Senior Warden and Brother Calum John Beaton, the Lodge Piper. A fitting salute (What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor) was also played for the arrival of "Captain" Dougie Stoddart PM, Substitute Master of Lodge Tower who is also an Honorary Member of Lodge "The Gael".

The Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Tower, Brother Thomas F. Metters PM, welcomed everyone onboard, he also thanked everyone for supporting Lodge Tower on this their 50th Anniversary cruise and hoped that everyone would all have an enjoyable evening on the Waverley. He also announced that the alternative name for the sail was "Dougie's Booze Cruise"!!!

The PS Waverley sailed from its berth at the Glasgow Science Centre at 7.30pm on a rather dull but dry and mild evening.

It was a delight to see so many improvements on both banks of the river, but also some sadness at the demise of the shipbuilding yards and heavy industry that gave the river its world wide reputation as one of the most famous rivers in the world. Fortunately there are still two shipyards operating on the Clyde Govan (formerly Kaeverners) where we saw HMS Diamond on the berth, she is due for launch in November 2007, and Scotstoun (formerly Yarrows) where we saw HMS Daring, the first of the Type 45 Destroyers, just recently returned from her successful sea trials “doon the watter”, and HMS Dauntless in drydock. Both these shipyards are now part of BAE Systems, Surface Fleet Solutions group.

There was entertainment for all on board; music and refreshments for the adults and face-painting and a disco for the youngsters.

 As we approached the “Tail o’ the Bank” the ship started a long slow turn round the sunken sugar boat and back towards Greenock and the return journey back up the river to Glasgow.

 As darkness approached, and nearing the Govan Shipyard, a slight drizzle descended on the beautiful and striking PS Waverley but even this did not dampen the spirits of the party. Everyone was still enjoying themselves as we approached our final destination, the Glasgow Science Centre at 10.30pm.

 The tide being very low that evening, we were ascending the gangway on a near vertical angle, but everyone managed to leave the vessel safely, albeit in a very rain drenched manner.

 I, as Right Worshipful Master of Lodge “The Gael”, would like to thank the Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Tower, Brother Thomas F. Metters PM, his Immediate Past Master Brother Joe McIntosh PM, Junior Warden Robert Leishman PM and last but not least, Substitute Master “Captain” Douglas J. S. Stoddart PM for all the hard work that went into the organisation of such a venture and to thank everyone at Lodge Tower for an excellent evening and wish them every success in their 50th anniversary year and for many years to come.

 I would also like to express my thanks, on behalf of the members of Lodge “The Gael” and their guests, to the Captain and crew of the PS Waverley for a safe and very pleasant cruise.

 Raymond Cameron Darroch PM RWM.

HMS Diamond on the stocks

Captain Dougie Stoddart & Pirate David "Jack Sparrow" Baird

John "Pretty Boy" MacLennan

The Grand Old Lady Herself