Directory of Clyde Paddle Steamers

In 1812, the first paddle steamer to sail in European coastal waters made its maiden voyage between Glasgow and Greenock. No longer was man restricted to sail, but steam had shown the way. Since then, over 400 paddle steamers have plied the waters of the Clyde, some for a short while, others to make a short transit up the Leven to Loch Lomond and others for long and fruitful careers. For the first time, a truly definitive record of the Clyde paddlers has been produced. Alistair Deayton has used contemporary records from the Clyde Trustees and local newspapers as well as the steamship operators and the shipyards to produce a book detailing every one of the Clyde steamers from the Comet of 1812 to the last surviving sea-going paddle steamer, PS Waverley. He has created a list of all 419 paddlers that have sailed the waters of the upper and lower Clyde on revenue-earning service.

Alistair Deayton is a well known author and has written many books for Amberley including By Steamer to the Ayrshire Coast, West Highland Piers, Piers of Hebrides & Western Isles, Clyde Coast Piers and was co-author for 200 Years of Clyde Pleasure Steamers, MV Balmoral: The First 60 Years and A MacBrayne Album. He lives near Glasgow.