45 years ago this weekend Waverley was in the midst of her first weekend in operation under Waverley Steam Navigation.

Thursday 22nd May 1975 was for all those who brought the fairytale to reality. Waverley carried invited guests and members of the press from Glasgow to Dunoon. As she departed Anderston Quay the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band played her off.

Saturday 24th was over to the PSPS for a charter to Ardrishaig, this was a sell out, an epic not arriving back to Glasgow until 0355 on the Sunday after Waverley sustained a damaged paddle float in Loch Fyne.

Sunday 25th, and just six hours after arriving back at Anderston Quay, Waverley left for the Kyles and Loch Riddon.

Monday 26th was to be the first sailing from Glasgow to Campbeltown for very many years however it was stopped at Millport for paddle work. It was an exciting weekend, sense of great achievement and purpose made all the more special as we the PSPS made it possible.

At that time many wondered if Waverley would survive beyond the summer of ’75 but thanks to the continued support of so many people and organisations she has survived well beyond all expectations.

Invite to Waverley’s inaugural sailing in preservation on Thursday 22nd May 1975.

The video below shows her first sailing as she departed Glasgow as well as other clips from that weekend.

[signature name=”Iain Quinn”]
 

Check out the other videos on the PSPS YouTube channel here.