The Dunoon Observer can exclusively reveal this afternoon (Friday) that 2019 spring and summer sailings for the world-famous Waverley paddle steamer have been cancelled.

Work on the 1946 ship's boiler has taken longer than expected, which means that the Clyde and Western Isles sailings for May June and July are now off.

Waverley Excursions, the company that runs the steamer, said: "We sincerely apologise for having to withdraw these sailings.

"Passengers who have already booked tickets will be contacted directly with regards to rebooking or refunding."

The boat is hoped to be back in action for August, but Waverley's luck in recent years has been wretched.

Last year the boiler experienced technical issues during a Clyde sail, the year before Rothesay Pier took a chunk out of the ship's bow, and in 2016 she couldn't berth at Dunoon during Cowal Games due to a choppy sea.

Fingers crossed she is back on the high seas later in the year.