Small steel-built trading vessel with a capacious hold, able to take the ground for loading, and sized to pass through the central Scottish canals. In their original form, they were powered by non-condensing steam engines. Later examples were built as military service craft under the designation Victualling Inshore Craft or VIC, and powered by diesel engines: the term puffer is applied to both types. Many of the losses recorded as steam lighters were probably vessels of this type.
The puffer has become a Scottish icon through the Para Handy books and television series; several examples are preserved.
