WAVERLEY IS LAUNCHED
A misty October 2, 1946 saw the last paddle steamer to be built for Clyde services named Waverley and launched by Lady Matthews, wife of LNER Chairman.
Waverley’s maiden voyage was on June 16, 1947 and saw her operate the route she was primarily intended - the cruise up Loch Long and Loch Goil to the villages of Lochgoilhead and Arrochar.
From 1948 until 1951 Waverley was operated by the British Transport Commission/Caledonian Steam Packet Co. Waverley is pictured at Arrochar during this period.
From 1952 until 1972 Waverley was part of British Railways Caledonian Steam Packet Co Clyde coast fleet.
Waverley is pictured in Loch Riddon (Kyles of Bute) during a PSPS charter showing the black paddlebox which was returned in 1972 thanks to the PSPS influence in promoting her unique status as the last Clyde paddle steamer.
By 1973 Waverley was the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. For this year only she was operated as part of the fleet of Caledonian MacBrayne offering a variety of Clyde cruises and ferry duties until it was announced she would be withdrawn from service at the end of September after which her future would become uncertain.
By November 1973 Caledonian MacBrayne had offered Waverley to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS), the ‘sale’ for £1 came the following year.
On August 8, 1974 Waverley was gifted for £1 and officially handed over to Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., a company formed by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. The picture shows Waverley being handed over in the James Watt Dock, Greenock to Douglas McGowan MBE with Terry Sylvester looking on. Terry was Chairman of Waverley Steam Navigaition Co. Ltd. from 1974 until 1999.