Caledonian MacBrayne heartily congratulate Waverley Excursions on the success of the operation of their preserved paddle steamer over the last thirty years.

It was in fact thirty years ago, on 8 August 1974, that Caledonian MacBrayne handed over the last Clyde paddle steamer to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.  CalMac at that time was owned by the Scottish Transport Group and the Group’s Chairman, Sir Patrick Thomas, together with CalMac’s General Manager, John Whittle, took part in the ceremony.  It is the stuff of legend that the asking price was one pound, and it is well documented that Sir Patrick actually supplied the pound note in the first place.  The recipients were Terry Sylvester and Douglas McGowan, described as “two active and optimistic members” of PSPS. 

The Waverley was the last in a long line of Clyde paddle steamers stretching from the Comet of 1812.  At the time major work needed to be done on her and, with the returns from Clyde cruising proving rather disappointing, the STG decided after the 1973 season that she could no longer be justified economically.   They realised, however, that she was very much part of the Clyde’s heritage and that her withdrawal would mark the end of an era.  With the PSPS actively interested in her preservation, STG management decided that she should be offered for static preservation for future generations.

The Preservation Society, however, had other ideas, and, following extensive discussions with local authorities and other bodies, they received sufficient promises in grants and donations to put the Waverley through survey in drydock and to return her to active service.

The rest is history.  Despite seemingly insurmountable financial difficulties, the Waverley has survived, due entirely to the dedication and hard work of her officers and crew and her many supporters, amateur and professional.  Each year she offers a Clyde season at Easter and  from late June until late August; at other times during the summer she sails in the Western Isles, the Bristol Channel, the Solent and the Thames.  Generous grants have been obtained in recent years from the Heritage Lottery Fund and now she is fully restored to her pristine gloryand is in even better condition than the day she first sailed on the Clyde with passengers, on 16 June 1947.

Caledonian MacBrayne assure Waverley Excursions of their support and wish them well as the ship sails towards her Diamond Jubilee and beyond.

Author: Ian MaCrorie, Company Historian