Andy O’Brien, who comes from Gourock, is now in his 10th season at the helm of the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer and is this year celebrating the famous vessel’s ruby anniversary of being in preservation.

The former Caledonian MacBrayne ship was sold to a charity for just £1 back in 1975 and has been a regular sight on the Clyde and waterways throughout the UK.

She has now had a longer career in preservation than as a commercial enterprise.

But Captain Andy, 49, says it is not all plain sailing and every year is a challenge just keeping her afloat.

With fuel prices having rocketed over the years, wages on the rise and ever-increasing berthing fees, each year is said to be a ‘real struggle’.

Capt O’Brien said: “It’s been 40 years since she came into preservation and she’s not missed a year.

“People imagined she would be turned into a floating restaurant in Glasgow. She’s been to the Mersey, Bristol Channel, the south coast of England and the River Thames and goes there every year — she’s been all around the UK.

“But you talk to a lot of people who love the Waverley but have never been on it.

“They say ‘I’ve always meant to go on a trip’.” He urged: “Please do go on it, because we need the money.

“Anywhere she goes she turns heads.

“We get a good bit of business in the south coast and the Thames.

“But our revenue system is over in October and there has to be enough money left to keep the lights on here and at the office.

“It’s a real struggle every year so it’s a bit of a miracle we have been going all this time.” The skipper says it is defiance from those behind the scenes which keeps the Waverley going but he admits that he does fear for the future.

Andy said: “The councils help but it’s not a lot.

“Inverclyde Council in particular have been very supportive and give us this berth here at Customhouse Quay for next to nothing.

“It’s determination not to be beaten that keeps us going.

“But eventually something has got to give.” Andy has worked on the Waverley for nine years and his son Iain, 24, has been onboard for the last two, working as second purser.

They make three generations of the family who have worked on paddle steamers, with Andy’s parents having met whilst working on board.

Andy, who also worked for CalMac for 24 years, said: “It’s not a bad job — she’s very high-profile and we reckon she is one of the most photographed ships in the world.” For now the summer season is in full swing and the man who guides the historic vessel through some of the most picturesque parts of the UK is encouraging people to continue their support of the Waverley and enjoy a day out on board.

He said: “There is no better way to spend the day than relaxing on deck and watching the spectacular scenery of Scotland’s west coast slip by.

“There is a trip for everyone — young and old — to enjoy and we look forward to welcoming you onboard at Greenock this year.” For more information about sailings and to make a booking visit www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk or telephone 0845 130 4647.