AN historic Clyde vessel played its part in helping to reunite a Greenockian from across the globe with three school pals.

Ann Turner, 65, now lives in Australia's New South Wales, three hours away from Sydney.

She keeps in touch with her old Greenock Academy school chum and managed to visit every year, until the country's two-year Covid lockdown was enacted.

One of her friends is newly elected local councillor Sandra Reynolds, who had been on the Waverley last July and thought it would be a good opportunity for them all to meet.

They were among hundreds who boarded the famous paddle steamer at Custom House Quay to sail via Kilcreggan, Dunoon, Rothesay and Blairmore to cruise Long Goil and Loch Long before berthing at Arrochar.

Sandra, 65, said: "It was such a good day, being together again and enjoying the wonderful views.

"It was much better than just meeting up for a meal.

"We tried to set up a date for the boat when Ann was over and did not realise we had picked the 75th anniversary cruise, that just made it even more special."

Sandra, a retired pharmacist, has kept in touch with Ann, and other friends Sheena McTavish and Annette McCartney, whom she met after moving from Gourock High to Greenock Academy.

They have remained lifelong friends.

Ann, who hails from the west end, also worked in Singapore and had a high-powered career in business before retiring.

She usually spends three weeks in the UK each year as she has a daughter and granddaughter living in London.

Sandra said it was apt for the women who first met all those years ago to enjoy a reunion on the historic vessel.

She said: "I remember my dad taking me on all the steamers when I was young.

"The Waverley is totally unique and it is special being out on the water, especially when you've been brought up by the river."