Puffer Steamboat Holidays

01/06/2024

There's no better way to explore our coastline than jumping on a boat! Discover 8 of the best boat trips in Argyll & the Isles in this blog.

15/05/2024

Last week saw the first Steam Engineering training cruise on board VIC 32 ⚓ 🤓

We took a group of steam engineers who were keen to develop their steam experience and gain a grounding in marine steam practice.

Our delegates ran the boat throughout the week in watches, supervised and mentored throughout. Each day consisted of a mixture of practical engine room time, theoretical tutorials in our saloon and a little time ashore.

The Puffer Preservation Trust are passionate about keeping marine engineering skills alive in the heritage sector. We very much hope to undertake similar cruises in the future with varying models to best match experience and ability.

We steamed 135 nautical miles in fine style - we extend a huge thank you to our delegates for making this experimental cruise such a success.

18/04/2024

LIMITED TARBERT DAY TRIP spots available! 🚢

Join us for a day of steaming up Loch Fyne & a chance to explore the last operating steam powered Clyde Puffer⚓

Due to a change in itinerary we will be running limited day trips from Tarbert on April 27, May 1 &3rd, a full day of steaming for £110. There's already just a handful of places left so do get in touch asap if interested. More details available on our website - Https://savethepuffer.co.uk/2024-day-trips/

14/03/2024

✨ Discover the magic of Scotland's West Coast onboard VIC 32 ⚓

Experience genuine steamboat cruising whilst exploring the Scottish coastline and canals this summer 🚢 A participation holiday like no other ☀️

5 night all inclusive cruises or limited day trips - 2024 berths still available from a variety of locations!

For more information visit our website, link in bio 🔗

21/02/2024

DAY TRIP tickets on VIC 32 from Glasgow are going quick!

Join us for a journey down the historic Clyde on the last steaming Clyde Puffer from just £110pp! 27th April or 3rd May available.

We're delighted to be offering individual day tickets for the first time this year and only have very few spots left so do book if you're interested.

Booking & additional information available on our website - https://savethepuffer.co.uk/2024-day-trips/

01/02/2024

JOB VACANCY - Summer 2024
Puffer Steamboat Holidays Ltd has a vacancy for the position of Steam Engineer / Stoker onboard the historic Clyde Puffer S.L. VIC 32.
We are looking for an experienced steam engineer from June to September inclusive to support our popular week long holiday cruises on the West Coast of Scotland. This is a live in position.
Initial interest, submission of CVs and queries should be submitted to [email protected] in the first instance.

24/01/2024

Spots are filling fast for our Day trips aboard VIC 32 this year! 🚢

Embarking from Glasgow or Crinan & starting at just £110 per person these are a great taster of genuine steamboat cruising ⚓

Very limited dates are available, see website for booking details...

We are excited to be resuming day trips on the Clyde and from Crinan in 2024! Prices start at £110 per person for a full days steaming down the Clyde or into Loch Craignish.

17/01/2024

Spot the Puffer 🤔. VIC 32s normally colourful decks are blanketed with snow at the moment. Somewhere down there a brave engineer is working on winter maintenance 🥶
The Crinan Canal is frozen and topped with snow too, looking amazing throughout the valley.
These pictures have been kindly shared here courtesy of Duncan Inglis and the Cairnbaan Community Facebook group.

14/01/2024

We are experiencing considerable demand for this course so encourage you to apply asap!

🔊Calling all steam engineers or volunteers🔊

If you're looking for that opportunity to expand your practical knowledge of steam engineering we've got the week for you... Join our expert engineers for a working week of practical and theoretical workshops on board VIC 32, the last steam powered Clyde Puffer! 🚢

🗓️ Departing Glasgow on May 5th
👛 £800pp inc food & shared accomm
👩‍🔧 Some experience of heritage engineering required
🕓 Participation in rota of boat duties expected
🙋 Must be over 18 & have moderate physical fitness

Apply now by emailing our booking form & a description of your previous experience along with how the course will benefit you to [email protected]

08/01/2024

Happy New Year !
A Wee message to our subscription 'Friends of VIC 32' :
We are sorry that due to exceptional circumstances Issue No. 40 of 'The Calliope' newsletter will be later than we had hoped.
Don't panic - it hasn't got lost in the Christmas post.
Warmest regards to all our supporters,
From the Puffer Team :-)

23/12/2023

Wishing all our friends and followers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year 🎄🥂🎅❄️✨

We hope to see you aboard next year!

14/12/2023

After a few requests from those wishing to gift an adventure aboard VIC 32 this Christmas (don't forget day trips start at just £110pp!), we are delighted to say we can now offer Gift Vouchers upon request ⚓️🎁🚢🎄✨

Full details of how to request one are available on our recent web post.

After a few requests by those wishing to gift an adventure aboard VIC 32 this Christmas we are delighted to say we have created one and can now offer Gift Vouchers upon request by emailing [email protected]. The gift voucher can either be for an amount to contribute towards a trip aboard....

01/12/2023

You may recall our July post as we said goodbye to the beautiful Sound of Jura for 2023. Wayne Starkey's amazing photograph has just won a National Historic Ships award, and will feature in the 2024 NHS calendar. Details on how to order ....

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=850692170391660&id=100063526541537

29/11/2023

It's been a slightly different autumn for us this year on VIC 32 🚢. Scottish Canals are busy on their third year of major civil engineering works to future proof the beautiful Crinan Canal, home to our Puffer since 1979.
To fit in with these works, as well as boat lift-outs at Cairnbaan wharf, we've spent the last seven weeks on a temporary pontoon at Cairnbaan. Being a steam boat with no steam has it's disadvantages - so Scottish Canals came to our aid with their beautiful Bantum tug ROSEBANK. The tug was secured to the Puffer's bow and VIC 32 was pushed stern first westwards the 100 yards or so needed to reach the old stone Puffer quay at Cairnbaan. We shall miss the temporary pontoon as the sunrise photography has been amazing over the past weeks !
The Puffer Preservation Trust extend our heartfelt thanks to Scottish Canals, both locally and nationally, for continuing to work with us in such a positive way.

14/11/2023

With grateful thanks to 'Len', and the team at the Anson Engine Museum. The Puffer away team were made to feel very welcome, and were blown away by the amazing collection of engines at the Anson Museum - a visit is recommended if you haven't been 😊🛠️

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=845017317325495&id=100054517028417

10/11/2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=874911127703842&id=100055548890165

All Aboard The Vic 32 ‘Puffer’
➡ Paul Stratford took a leisurely trip along the Crinan Canal and down to the island of Bute.

Full story in the December issue: https://www.steamheritage.co.uk/shop/item/december-2023

19/09/2023

This is VIC 32s last cruising week of the 2023 season. We've been well looked after by Scottish Canals throughout our Great Glen cruises and will be sad to finish this week when we arrive at Corpach.
Last night we were treated to the Northern Lights whilst moored at Foyers Pier, and our thanks as ever go to the Foyers Pier Co. for hosting our visits each year. 🚢

14/09/2023

Fort Augustus, Caledonian Canal 🚢. Yesterday we had fun having two historic vessels alongside VIC32, and mutual tours amongst the crews.
PROVIDENT was built in 1924 - a gaff ketch Brixham trawler, and fellow register member of National Historic Ships.
GRAYHOUND is a thirteen year old replica of a 1776 Cornish 3-masted lugger. This vessel carries passengers, as well as sustainable cargo runs.

16/08/2023

August in the Highlands is 🌈 🌈 weather & always a highlight of our Caledonian canal cruises...makes for a fantastic 📸📸

These shots were taken by our mate on board this week.

We are delighted to be back transiting through the beautiful Highlands on this 80 year old Clyde Puffer! Still a few berths left in September if you fancy joining us?

ian

28/07/2023

Today VIC 32 sadly says goodbye to the Sound of Jura after six fun weeks. We saved the best until last - a glorious night at anchor in Tayvallich bay ⚓ captured by Wayne Starkey.
Over the next couple of weeks the Puffer will reposition to Fort William in preparation for six weeks of adventures through the Great Glen 🚢

12/07/2023

Aquarelle alongside the Vic 32 at Jura Puffer Steamboat Holidays James Hay Jura Hotel Jura distillery

26/06/2023

Bookings are officially open for our 2024 season! 🚢🤩📞📅

In 2024 we continue our unique holiday cruises exploring the Clyde, steaming into west coast waters to Jura & along the Caledonian Canal!

We are excited to resume Day Trips from Glasgow and Crinan... and from next year you can book a day trip as an individual or family with a BYO picnic!

We have also introduced a specialist heritage skills training week from Glasgow which will be an opportunity for those interested in gaining skills in operating a heritage vessel...more information coming soon.

Booking information is available on our website now.
Holiday Cruises - https://savethepuffer.co.uk/holidays/2024-cruise-booking/
Day Trips - https://savethepuffer.co.uk/2024-day-trips/

42nd Year of Cruising – Current Availability (DAY TRIP info available here) Schedules depend on weather conditions and other factors and the operators reserve the right to make changes or cancel cruises. Passengers should arrive after 3.30pm on Sunday on all cruises and leave before 5.00pm the fol...

23/06/2023

Continuing with introducing new local suppliers - Gill aka Diverse Preserves has been keeping passengers happy with her delicious Jam and Marmalade on their toast at breakfast! 🍓🍊 Also a regular feature atop scones and in a cake or two for our Afternoon tea 🍰

For those who have travelled with us before, you will know that Rachel always made 'Puffer Marmalade.' When she retired from duty last year we wanted to get something special to replace it and with so many local recommendations we just knew it had to be Gill!

As Gill recycles all the empties we're also able to ensure the glass jars are kept in use as well 🌍 Find out more about the wide range of preserves Gill supplies - https://www.diversepreserves.com/

21/06/2023

VIC 32 is enjoying her first cruising week of this season back on the Sound of Jura 🚢. Pictured here anchored in beautiful Tayvallich bay, proudly flying our National Historic Ships ensign and mast head house flags.

12/06/2023

VIC 32 featured on BBC Alba this evening - 18 mins, 30 seconds onwards. Have a look ! 🚢

An Là, 12/06/2023: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001mwd7 via

Local, national and international news and information from BBC ALBA.

12/06/2023

On Friday BBC ALBA joined us whilst we made our transit through the Crinan Canal in celebration of 80 years of VIC 32 🚢🎥

Make sure to check the feature out at 8pm tonight also featuring the fantastic Swim - Dan The Merman - Argyll 🤩

We also want to say a huge thank you to all the people who came to say hello whilst we travelled through the canal and took so many fantastic photos! We will be sharing more and highlights from our open weekend over the next few days 🚢📸

07/06/2023

FINAL REMINDER for Our Big Birthday Open Days this weekend at Crinan Basin! 🎂🛳🥳

We will also be transiting the Crinan Canal this Friday so come give us a wave and if you take any pics be sure to share them with us 📸

There are a few slots left over the Open weekend so please do book ahead to ensure your tour slot as we're anticipating a number of additional visitors over the weekend -

Come aboard and join us in celebrating Clyde Puffer SL VIC 32's 80th Birthday!

31/05/2023

I spotted the iconic 'VIC 32' and the 'Auld Reekie' Puffer Steamboats at the Crinan Canal, Argyll, and was struck by their beautiful design and character. I knew it was going to be a tricky one but I was determined to make a painting from that day. I hope you like it! ☺️🛟🩵🩵

Puffer Steamboat Holidays

'VIC 32' and 'Auld Reekie' Puffer Steamboats by Crinan Canal, Argyll'
Acrylic on board
60 x 60 cm

30/05/2023

In the run up to our Biofuel transition we will be sharing just some of the local/greener additions we've also made onboard this year! 🛳👌☕

First up (& arguably the crew's favourite!) has been to offer Argyll Coffee Roasters Secret Coast blend at breakfast and during our many tea and cake breaks! 😋

When we looked to change the coffee it always made sense to us to go with Argyll Coffee Roastery as their home at Tighnabruaich is one of our regular stops during our Clyde Cruises and their coffee is enjoyed by us at home too!

Next year we are also hoping to organise some roastery visits as part of the selection of guided tours you can expect during our Puffer Clyde Cruises 🛳☕

Fancy waking up aboard VIC 32 surrounded by stunning west coast scenery with a delicious local coffee in one of our iconic mugs? Last few berths are available for this year! - https://savethepuffer.co.uk/booking-a-cruise/

28/05/2023

There's less than 2 weeks to go until our Big Birthday Weekend of Open Days at Crinan Basin on 9/10th June! 🎂🛳🥳

Tour slots are filling up fast for both days so please make sure you book to secure your spot. We have a special quiz for the youngsters designed by our engineer Richard and there'll be some extra entertainment over the weekend to celebrate her 80th year - more details to come!

& for those who missed her coming through the canal last month, VIC 32 will be transiting the Crinan Canal on Friday 9th June - no timings can be shared as it's always a moveable feast but don't forget you can track us on any Marine App!

Come aboard and join us in celebrating Clyde Puffer SL VIC 32's 80th Birthday!