CAN it possibly be four decades since the paddle steamer Waverley was ‘sold’ by Caledonian MacBrayne for the token sum of £1?
Who would have guessed in 1974 that the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society would be able to not only get her afloat again but keep her going for all this time?
The last sea-going paddle steamer in the world celebrated the anniversary on Friday with a special cruise from Greenock to Largs, Lochranza and Bute, names which are synonymous with the great days of Clyde cruising.
The Waverley is still a special sight, no matter how often you are lucky enough to see her flying along on the river. Many a time on board I’ve marvelled at the fantastic triple expansion steam engine that you can watch in action as the paddles noisily churn up the water.
Inverclyde and other councils have made important contributions over the years towards the cost of keeping Waverley afloat, with a substantial donation also coming from Largs lottery winners Chris and Colin Weir.
The proud paddler enjoys a prime position in an outstanding display of Clyde steamers mounted in Gourock rail station by former BBC Scotland sport commentator Alastair Alexander.
One of the posters shows the Waverley arriving at Customhouse Quay in typically dramatic fashion, while others include St Columba, Duchess of Hamilton, Duchess of Montrose, Queen Mary II, Jeanie Deans, Marchioness of Graham, Caledonia and the Talisman.
Where are they all now?
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