The paddle steamer Waverley is being barred from the flotilla on the Clyde as part of the Commonwealth Games opening, due to the fact she can't stop or change direction suddenly if another ship crosses her path.

Yet she played an active part in the flotilla at the Tall Ships in Greenock in 1999.

The world's last sea-going paddle steamer was built in 1946 and sailed from Craigendoran to Arrochar, a somewhat remote community in those days.

Since 1974 she has been run on a charitable basis, and sailing as part of this opening flotilla would have brought in valuable income - as all boat owners know fuel, maintenance and berthing fees are not cheap.

How many families have enjoyed a sail "Doon the Watter" on her ? Seeing places like Ailsa Craig, Kyles of Bute and the three lochs.

In the summer months she is an icon on the Clyde, and if she is not supported another part of the River Clyde's rich history will be lost. Chief executive Kathleen O'Neill certainly has a perilous and uncharted course in front of her.

Robert McCaw,

6 Hamilton Crescent,

Renfrew.