VIC 32 going through the sea lock at Crinan with passengers who are happy to shovel coal and generally help around.  The 76 year old boat is one of the last surviving coal-fired steam-powered puffers, so called because it uses steam straight out of the funnel in 'puffs'.  Puffers were small steam powered cargo vessels which provided vital supplies such as coal and bulk cargoes to the west coast and islands of Scotland. With the increase of vehicle ferries and decrease in coal use and smoke free laws puffers no longer were needed.  Now the VIC 32 takes people on short cruises mainly in Argyll but unfortunately it had to return and anchor off Crinan that evening to shelter from the gales but hopefully for the rest of their holiday they will enjoy seeing the delightful little places on the west coast

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