Public donations to help the Waverley sail next year have now passed £130,000 – but more are needed if the historic paddle steamer will be seen on the Clyde in 2021.
The Waverley’s 2019 sailings were lost because new boilers were needed, but a £2.3m fundraising campaign saw the steamer ready to sail again this year, only for the Covid-19 pandemic to intervene.
A limited number of sailings took place in late summer, with reduced passengers because of social distancing, but these ended in disaster when the paddle steamer hit Brodick pier on Arran.
More than 20 people were reported to be injured and lawyers representing two of them launched legal action this month.
The Waverley’s Covid-19 Relief Appeal opened in September, aiming to raise over £500,000 in total with a target of £350,000 from individuals.
Winter maintenance work is now well underway but currently there are not sufficient funds to complete it.
Waverley’s general manager Paul Semple said: “I am delighted with the positive response and the support Waverley is once again receiving from so many people.
“The success of our Covid-19 Appeal is vital if we are to survive the winter and sail Waverley in summer 2021.
“The impact of Covid denied us the opportunity to sail Waverley for a full season on the Firth of Clyde and around other areas of the UK.
“When the ship did sail this year, passenger numbers were strictly limited to under 30% capacity resulting in a dramatic reduction in income.”
Following the incident at Brodick, Waverley will receive a new bow when she is dry docked next spring ahead of the 2021 season.
Her operators say the cost of repairs to the bow will be met by insurance and not from funds raised through the appeal.
Mr Semple added: “Waverley normally carries over 100,000 passengers annually but this season we saw less than 6,000 aboard.
“The ship needs to operate a full summer season to earn sufficient funds and cover costs.
“Waverley must be maintained to remain in operation and that maintenance comes at a high cost, this winter over £400,000 will be spent on routine works and drydocking.”
Donations to the appeal can be made online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224 or by texting STEAM followed by £10 or £20 to 70085.
Those donating online can opt to be included on the Virtual Donor Wall.
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