Paddle Steamer Waverley (Ship No.1330) was launched 70 years ago on Wednesday 2nd October 1946 by Lady Matthews, wife of the London & North Eastern Railway (L.N.E.R) Chairman, into the waters of the River Kelvin. At the launch Lady Matthews said “the splendour of the Clyde coast scenery should be viewed from steamers like this”.

Waverley was the last of many Clyde paddlers built at the Pointhouse shipyard of A. & J. Inglis. Construction had began on 27th December 1945 but was unusually long due to a shortage of materials following the war. The cost of the new paddler was £107,725 and she was to replace their paddler of the same name which had been sunk at Dunkirk. The former site of the Pointhouse shipyard is now occupied by the award winning Riverside Museum in Glasgow.

Looking aft from the main deck forward as construction of the promenade deck is under way. The opening is where the boiler will be situated.|PSPS Collection

During construction and the paddlebox is recognisable, and part of the promenade deck has been laid.|PSPS Collection

A view of the bow. Note the Ship No.1330 on the notice below the stem.|PSPS Collection

At the start of her launch into the River Kelvin.PSPS Collection

Waverley slides down the slipway into the River Kelvin on 2nd October 1946. Those aboard and watching her launch at that time could not have predicted what lay ahead for the post-war steamer and how famous she would eventually become.|PSPS Collection

Waverley almost afloat for the first time as she reaches the end of the slipway.|PSPS Collection

Having been launched Waverley is moved by tugs into the fitting-out berth.|PSPS Collection

Following the launch the hull was berthed in the River Kelvin for fitting out. After partial fitting out Waverley was towed downriver to Greenock’s Victoria Harbour on Monday 20th January 1947 where her Rankin & Blackmore triple expansion engine was later fitted. The engine was built in their Eagle Foundry in Greenock. Passengers on board Waverley today regularly spot the three small eagles which are mounted on the main engine.

Once fitting out was completed Waverley ran sea trials on Thursday 5th June 1947 where she reached a maximum speed of 18.37 knots with a full load of fuel and water. Her maiden voyage was on Monday 16th June 1947, when she sailed in fine weather from Craigendoran on the route she was built to serve – the cruise to Lochgoilhead and Arrochar.

Waverley’s starboard paddlebox while she was at Craigendoran on the afternoon of her first day in service, Monday 16th June 1947.|PSPS Collection

To mark the 70th anniversary of Waverley’s launch Scottish Branch committee member Iain Quinn will be giving an illustrated talk at the Fairfield Heritage Centre in Govan on Wednesday 5th October at 2pm. This is a free event but spaces should be booked in advance by calling 0141 445 5866. Further details can be found at the Fairfield website.