An appeal to raise £2.3m was launched today to return the Waverley to service in 2020, ensuring that a unique piece of Scotland’s maritime heritage stays alive.
Among the crowds at Glasgow’s Pacific Quay were politicians, mariners, enthusiasts and the general public — all determined to show support for the famous paddle steamer.
The Waverley has been a regular sight on the Clyde for decades, with scheduled stops at Helensburgh and Kilcreggan.
But her 2019 season was cancelled last month, following the discovery of major problems with the ship’s 20-year old boilers.
Since then, individuals have started to respond with over £100,000 already donated. The Waverley Facebook page recording over a million hits when the news broke.
“We’re heartened by the support so far — it’s clear that huge numbers of people around Britain and around the world want to see Waverley sail again” said Paul Semple, who heads the team which operates the ship.
“But the financial challenge which faces Waverley remains very significant, and we urgently need more funds to let us place the orders and then carry out the work over the next nine months.”
The sheer scale of what is required has been likened to a kind of marine ‘open heart surgery’.
The iconic red, white and black twin funnels will be lifted off, and large sections of decking removed to allow the boilers and other equipment to be lifted out.
The replacements are expected to extend Waverley’s operational life by a further 20 to 25 years.
The Waverley company has taken recent weeks to make a detailed and costed plan, and now it’s all about raising the funds to make it happen.
“There’s a real determination not to allow Waverley to become a static relic,” said Mr Semple.
“She was built to sail, and that’s what so many people want to see again.
“Waverley’s truly unique status as the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer mustn’t be taken for granted. Not for the first time, the future of the ship hangs in the balance.
“Once again, it’s time to save the Waverley.”
Donations to the appeal can be made online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224 or text STEAM £20 to 70085 to donate £20.
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