50 Years since Waverley’s First Sailing in Preservation

On Thursday 22nd May 1975 Paddle Steamer Waverley undertook her “2nd maiden Voyage” when she sailed from Glasgow to Dunoon with invited guests at the start of her preservation career. Two days later she sailed from Glasgow to Ardrishaig on her first public sailing on charter to the PSPS.

Today 50 years on and she has just completed a cruise from Portree to Gairloch and Ullapool – a journey totally unimaginable back in 1975. The intervening years have provided some difficult situations and very testing times for those deeply involved with her operation. However, thanks to continued public support Waverley has survived in service and continues to delight tens of thousands of individuals each year.

Many media outlets have covered the story including local and national newspapers and TV. The BBC has had extensive footage on TV, radio and the BBC News website.

Waverley at Anderston Quay in Glasgow on the morning of Thursday 22nd May 1975.

The Police Pipe Band played as Waverley cast off on the start of her preservation career.

Sir William Gray, Lord Provost of Glasgow, gave a speech to the invited guests aboard Waverley.

Waverley berthed in Ullapool on Thursday 22nd May 2025.

During her sailing on Thursday 22nd May 2025 Waverley was presented with a commemorative board from Ullapool Harbour Trust. The board was presented to Captain Dominic McCall from Kevin Peach, CEO & Harbour Master.