The last sea going paddle steamer in the world, always a welcome sight when she returns to the Clyde. http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/ Waverley Flagship of our fleet is the famous WAVERLEY - the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. It is thought that this famous ship is probably the most photographed ship in the world!Built on the Clyde in 1947 - to replace the original Waverley that sunk off Dunkirk in 1940, the Waverley was originally built to sail only between Craigendorran & Arrochar in West Scotland. It is amazing to think that she now sails right round Britain offering regular trips on the Clyde, the Thames, South Coast of England and the Bristol Channel with other calls at various ports & piers throughout the UK.£1 doesn't get you much these days, but in 1974 it bought a 693-tonne paddle steamer! Mounting running costs left the then operators no choice but to withdraw Waverley from service with the idea of preserving this unique ship. The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) http://www.psps.freeserve.co.uk/ stepped in and took over the helm - for the princely sum of £1. It is a credit to the Society and supporters that the Waverley became more than a museum and now operates a full programme of cruises from Easter to October. 2003 saw the completion of a major restoration project, which returned Waverley to the original 1940s style with which she was built. This has only been possible with major grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund totalling over £6m and the PSPS. Contributions have also come from Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, the European Regional Development Fund and local authorities. WAVERLEY has been supported by the PSPS with a vibrant membership of over 4,000 for 30 years but only the excellent partnership with the HLF has provided WAVERLEY with a viable long-term future.There are many books & videos on Waverley for those who wish a more in-depth look at her long & varied history, or log on to our supporters website at www.pswaverley.org for more information on both Waverley & Balmoral. Owned by a registered Charity and British Registered to carry up to 800 passengers, Waverley's on-board facilities include a self-service restaurant, two fully licensed bars, heated observation lounge, 'Jeanie Deans' tearoom and a souvenir shop. A visit to the engine room is a must on any trip to see the magnificent engines at work. Waverley also has a disabled toilet on the main deck and the crew are trained & happy to give every assistance to allow less-agile passengers to enjoy their day with us.
