The Waverley
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) 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.
