Editing Firth of Clyde (section)

===Tourism===

With the advent of [[tourism]] in [[Victorian era|Victorian]] times, the Firth became popular with Glaswegians and residents of neighbouring towns and counties who travelled "doon the watter" (the Firth) on [[Clyde steamer]]s to holiday in the picturesque seaside towns and villages that line the Firth, with the more wealthy building substantial holiday homes along its coasts. Many towns, such as [[Gourock]], [[Largs]], [[Ayr]], [[Dunoon]], [[Rothesay, Argyll and Bute|Rothesay]], flourished during this period and became fully fledged resorts with well-appointed hotels and attractions. Golf courses, including major championship courses, proliferated.

Today, tourism, sport and recreation, and heritage history continue to attract visitors from across the world. The steam-powered {{ship|PS|Waverley}}—in addition to its regular service—still makes cruising trips to the coastal towns that have been popular tourist destinations since the 19th century. The Firth is ringed by many castles and buildings of historical importance that are open to the public, including [[Inveraray Castle]], [[Brodick Castle]], the opulent [[Mount Stuart House]] on the Isle of Bute, and [[Culzean Castle]], which is the most visited attraction owned by the [[National Trust for Scotland]]. Ocean liners frequently call at Greenock, and [[Glasgow International Airport]] and [[Glasgow Prestwick Airport]] are nearby. There is frequent rail service to and from the Clyde coast, including links to [[Oban]] and [[Fort William, Scotland|Fort William]], with city terminals in Glasgow and Edinburgh. There is also daily ferry service between the area and Belfast.