Following successful trials last year, daily sightseeing trips from Pacific Quay, to Braehead and Clydebank are being re-launched on the Clyde this summer. In addition, a new river bus service will be available, linking Glasgow city centre with Pacific Quay and Braehead.
The new river bus service, called River Link, will be operated by Clyde Cruises, using its vessel the MV Fencer, which carries up to 33 passengers. Running from May 26th – September 10th, five days a week (Wednesday – Sunday), the MV Fencer will offer at least three daily return services from the pontoon at Braehead Shopping Centre (first 10:15) via the Science Centre Pontoon at Pacific Quay to the Broomielaw in the city centre (last 15:30).
Clyde Cruises’ other vessel, the MV Cruiser, will restart daily sightseeing trips at 1pm from the Glasgow Science Centre pontoon, with stops at Braehead and Clydebank’s Titan Crane, also between May 26th and September 10th. The sightseeing trips are closely linked to Clyde Waterfront Heritage, which offers twelve areas to explore along a thirteen mile stretch of the Clyde, highlighting visitor attractions and historic places of interest with travel information, web links and maps.
The MV Cruiser will also continue to offer ‘Classroom on the Clyde’ subsidised trips for schools between May and September, linking Clyde Waterfront’s regeneration and heritage with free lesson plans for teachers available at Clyde Waterfront Education.
A key part of the Clyde Waterfront Strategic Partnership’s work is to encourage more activity on the Clyde and the launch of this new river bus service and the re-launch of the sightseeing trips, adds to the growing volume of river based activities in recent years. This includes Loch Lomond Seaplanes, Waverley Paddle Steamer and the Seaforce RIBs which offer a great combination of experiencing the Clyde from land, sea and air!
The River Link service and sightseeing trips will receive financial support of up to £30,000 and further marketing support from the Clyde Waterfront Strategic Partnership and Glasgow City Council.
Councillor Philip Braat, Deputy Executive Member for Business and the Economy, Glasgow City Council, said: "The Clyde made Glasgow and Glasgow made the Clyde. The river is on the up again, and leisure and tourism will play an increasingly big part of Clyde Waterfront's new economy. We want to encourage operators like Clyde Cruises to develop new services for the upper stretch of the river."
Kirk Ramsay, Glasgow Science Centre Chief Executive: "The River Bus is a fantastic addition to the Clyde and for the city of Glasgow. The redevelopment of the Clyde is bringing more people to the area so increased transport links are definitely welcomed. Glasgow Science Centre, alongside our neighbours in Pacific Quay, will benefit from this new service."
Further information on the river bus service and sightseeing tours is available by visiting Clyde Cruises or calling 01475 721 281
