Waverley hits her £2.3m appeal target

The world’s last sea-going paddle steamer is expected to return to operation next year after a fundraising appeal reached its £2.3 million target. The PS Waverley – an iconic sight on the Clyde – had to be taken out of service last May due to a problem with its boilers.

A funding appeal was launched and it was this week announced the full target had been reached.

The Waverley’s new boilers are currently being built by Cochran’s Ltd in Annan and are due to be completed in February. The work required on the ship will involve the removal of the iconic twin funnels to allow access to the boiler room.

Waverley Excursions general manager, Paul Semple, commented, “Thanks to the fantastic generosity of so many people and organisations, we are now able to push ‘full ahead’ with Waverley’s boiler refit, which will be the most substantial refit since her rebuild was completed back in 2003. I would like to thank everyone who has donated to the appeal and supported our efforts to save the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world.”

The Boiler Refit Appeal has attracted donations from more than 8,000 individuals, with support from the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, several trusts and £1m from the Scottish Government. Arnold Clark and the Swire Charitable Trust have both just confirmed their support, taking the appeal to its target.

The Waverley will be towed from Glasgow to Greenock in January, where the major “open-heart surgery” will take place, taking about four months.