Waverley was built for the old LNER to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk by enemy action on May 29, 1940 at Dunkirk. In 1974, at the end of her working life, she was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., a charity registered in Scotland, was set up to own and operate the ship, which then began a second career as one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions. Since she has been in operational preservation, she has been awarded four stars by Visit Scotland and an engineering heritage award, and has carried over 6 million passengers. At her heart is a 2100 horsepower, triple expansion reciprocating steam engine, open to full public view.
Now the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, this year she celebrates fifty years in preservation, dividing her time as usual between Scotland and the South of England and calling at over seventy ports. General Manager Paul Semple will give us a round-up of the season – its highlights, issues, challenges and other memorable moments - with a look ahead to winter maintenance in readiness for 2026.
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