THE paddle steamer Waverley will not visit Helensburgh pier at all this year, the historic ship's operators have confirmed.

Waverley Excursions had already stated that the vessel would not visit Helensburgh during her spring bank holiday sailings at the end of May – but they have now announced that Helensburgh pier "will not be available to Waverley" during the ship's main Clyde summer cruising season, between late June and the end of August.

READ MORE: Report casts doubt on future of Waverley's Helensburgh visits

The announcement, made on Thursday morning, comes amid ongoing concern about the condition of the pier, which has been closed to all marine traffic since last October.

A report on the condition of the pier has yet to be released to the public.

Waverley Excursions say they will make more calls at Kilcreggan this summer instead, and will lay on a bus link between Helensburgh and Kilcreggan every Thursday and Sunday during the ship's spell on the Clyde.

READ MORE: Helensburgh pier closed to marine traffic on safety grounds

A spokesman for Waverley Excursions said: “We are grateful for the support shown to Waverley by locals and visitors from Helensburgh over many years.

"For this season we will increase the number of calls at Kilcreggan to allow us to maintain a service from Helensburgh.

"We are grateful to Argyll and Bute Council for its assistance in allowing Waverley to make additional calls at Kilcreggan.”