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Plea to help raise £135,000 to fix paddle steamer

James DiamondBristol
News imagePA Media In bright sunlight, Waverley paddle steamer cruises along the River Clyde in Glasgow. Its decks are packed with people and it has two large slanted funnels in the middle, in between two masts. A clock tower can be seen beside the water in the background, as can several large, modern buildings.PA Media
Waverley, which was launched in 1946, now offers cruises to the public

The team behind the world's last seagoing paddle steamer is hoping to raise £135,000 to replace "vital components" ahead of the 80th anniversary of its launch.

The sum is just a small part of the £1.5m required to repair the Waverley, which is due to visit the Bristol Channel in late May 2026.

Waverley was built in Glasgow to connect rail passengers to seaside towns, and now offers cruises to the public.

Paul Semple, general manager of Waverley Excursions, the company that runs the trips, said: "We are preserving her truly unique character. As the world continuously changes around Waverley, she becomes even more special as she represents a moment in time when she was first designed and built."

News imageWearing a navy jacket, blue shirt and yellow tie, Paul Semple stands in bright sunlight, with Waverley in the background. He also wears black rimmed glasses, with a neatly trimmed ginger beard.
Paul Semple says the refurbishment will maintain Waverley's "unique character"

The renovations will also be funded by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and the steamer's owning charity, Waverley Steam Navigation Co.

The £135,000 is needed to replace the ship's two masts and several windows in the dining saloon with authentic materials.

Mr Semple said: "They are vital components that really give the authentic nature to Waverley.

"Essentially, many parts of the ship could be replaced with more modern materials and fittings which may last longer, but collectively that would change the look and feel of the ship."

Waverley was built shortly after the Second World War for the London and North Eastern Railway, connecting passengers from Glasgow to towns such as Rothesay and Dunoon.

It was launched in October 1946 and entered service the next year.

Following the end of its working life, the ship was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for £1.

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