The 40th anniversary of Waverley being gifted by Caledonian MacBrayne to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society will be marked on 8 August, when the vessel makes a special sailing from Greenock, Largs and Ardrossan to Lochranza, Arran, with a cruise around Inchmarnock Island. It is thought this will be the first day cruise from Ardrossan since 1985. For bookings and information call 0845 1304647.
Although it was first expected that nothing more ambitious than a static role would be possible for the 1947-built vessel, Waverley returned to service in May 1975 and continues to provide summer sailings on the Clyde following an annual visit to the Western Isles, together with late summer and autumn spells on the Bristol Channel, South Coast and Thames. Much money has been spent on keeping Waverley’s paddle wheels turning. The vessel received a new boiler in 1981, as well as improvements to passenger accommodation. There seem good prospects for the motor vessel Balmoral returning to service in 2015. RP
