Builders: Messrs J & G Thomson
Propulsion type: Twin cylinder, non compound oscillating
Owners: David MacBrayne Ltd
Service dates: 1878 -1935
Tonnage: Net 256 Gross 602
Comments:
Possibly the most majestic paddle steamer of all time. Over 300 feet in length, she had a curved bow and was magnificently fitted out. Columba had a barbers and a post office on board and this was unique in Clyde steamer history. Whilst the post office was closed in the Great War it was later re instated. All Columba's distinguished career was on the Tarbert and Ardrishaig route, which was used by the cream of Victorian and Edwardian society as part of the "Royal Route" to shoots and lodges in the Highlands. During her career she visited Ardrishaig over 5600 times. Columba was re boilered in 1900, when her four navy boilers were replaced by two haystack boilers. Such was the reduction in her weight by the change of boilers that she floated five inches higher in the water afterward. At that time she also had a smoking room erected on the promenade deck immediately abaft the after funnel. After fifty eight summers, she was sold to shipbreakers, Arnott & Young and was scrapped at Dalmuir in March 1936.
For more pictures of RMS Columba, including rare interior shots please click here.
For a wonderful menu card dating from the Royal Route trip circa 1900 please click here.