Hopes of June Waverley sailings, as appeal passes £290,000

More than £290,000 has now been raised for the Waverley’s Covid-19 Relief Appeal.

And it is hoped that the historic steamer will be sailing on the Firth of Clyde in June – although the usual sailings further north will not go ahead this year.

The paddle steamer hasn’t sailed since a serious accident in Brodick last September, which came only weeks after her first excursion of the year.

But Waverley Excursions Ltd, the charity which owns the steamer, says the appeal fund is now within sight of its target.

“Thank you to everyone that has donated,” said a spokesperson.

“We are also very grateful to all those who have recently signed up to become a Friend of Waverley by giving a small monthly donation.

“We remain hopeful that the appeal target of £350,000 from individuals can be reached to help cover the cost of dry-docking Waverley next month and re-commissioning her for the 2021 season.

“Like others in the tourism and hospitality industry we are keen to make plans for the 2021 summer season.

“While there is optimism that the situation with Covid-19 is improving, there is no guarantee that restrictions will ease sufficiently by the end of May when Waverley would normally start her sailing season.”

Maintenance work is continuing on the Waverley’s triple expansion steam engine and paddle wheels, and the new boilers – installed following a £2.3m fundraising campaign – are expected to be fired up in the nest few weeks in preparation for the move to dry dock.

Subject to further donations and the easing of Covid restrictions, the charity is ‘hopeful’ that the steamer will return to service in June on the Firth of Clyde.

There will then be ‘a variety of sailings on her home waters’ until the end of August before she heads south to visit North Wales, the Bristol Channel and England’s south coast.

Additional sailings via Kilcreggan are possible this summer, since Helensburgh’s pier is still closed to mariners following neglect by Argyll and Bute Council.

But there will ne no sailings this year from Oban and the Western Isles.

The spokesman said: “Sailings in the Western Isles don’t often produce much of a surplus of income over costs.

“Given that many of Waverley’s supporters travel from other areas of the UK to enjoy sailings from Oban and require local accommodation, we can’t be confident that Waverley would be able to attract sufficient footfall with Covid restrictions in place to cover costs.

“As a charity we are unable to take the financial risk this summer, but we look forward to returning to Oban in the future.”

To contribute to the appeal, you can donate online or by calling 0141 243 2224.