Caledonian MacBrayne was established in 1973 and during this time they have operated a wide range of vessels and ferry services on the Western seaboard of Scotland.

This book commemorates the half-century of the company and its important role for the communities that it continues to serve on the The Firth of Clyde and in West Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

The author Colin Smith is originally from Clydebank. He was inspired to be a shipping enthusiast at a young age by seeing ships under construction at John Brown’s shipyard and childhood trips aboard Clyde steamers. Now an author of many ferry and shipping publications, Colin’s interest in ferries, the paddle steamer Waverley and other passenger ships has taken him around the world in search of new subjects for his substantial ship photography collection.