Many Buddies and families across Renfrewshire will have enjoyed a day sailing “doon the watter” on the famous Waverley paddle steamer.
The ship - the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world - was launched in 1946 and sold for £1 in the 1970s.
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Just seeing her on the River Clyde conjures up many emotions and stories for people across the West of Scotland.
She cast off from Largs pier on Tuesday as her 2021 summer sailing programme got underway, remarkably her 46th season in preservation since she was sold for a quid.
The delayed start to this year’s programme was mainly due to continued covid restrictions and crew availability.
But the cherished vessel is now scheduled to be in daily service on the Firth of Clyde until at least August 22, offering a wide variety of sailings from her home base in Glasgow and from over a dozen piers on the Clyde coast.
Given ongoing restrictions, capacity aboard her will be restricted to 35 per cent to ensure physical distancing.
The Waverley’s general manager Paul Semple commented: “We are delighted to welcome passengers aboard Waverley once again.
“Throughout the winter months the small core team work hard to ensure that come summer the wheels can turn.
“As passengers board at the start of a new season the ship comes alive and the hard work to get her back in service is well rewarded.
“I hope the sound of paddles on the Clyde once again is a welcome sign that summer is here.
“We are exceptionally grateful to the thousands of people who supported our winter appeal to meet the maintenance costs.”
The company says ticket sales have been “buoyant” since bookings opened.
Paul added: “Given the variety of Waverley cruises on offer over the coming weeks we look forward to welcoming back our supporters as well as those members of the public who wish to step aboard a paddle steamer for the first time.”
One of the highlights of the 2021 sailing programme will be a rare sailing from Glasgow to Ardrishaig, Waverley’s first visit to the Argyll village for 20 years.
Paddle Steamer Waverley has operated since 1975 on a not-for-profit basis and is owned by Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd, which is a registered charity.
She was built in Glasgow for the London and North Eastern Railway and launched on October 2, 1946 - her 75th anniversary will be marked later this year.
Waverley is the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world and was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for £1.
Since 1975 she has operated in preservation carrying over six million passengers, visiting many areas of the UK offering a variety of day, afternoon and evening cruises.
Waverley has a 4-star Scottish Tourist Board Tour Award and was nominated by the Sunday Times as “Top 3 nostalgic journey in the world”.
Following a major £7 million Heritage Rebuild in 2003, Waverley was fully restored to her original 1940s style.
Last year, she had a £2.3m facelift that saw her twin steam boilers being replaced.
In May it was announced that £350,000 had been raised in public donations to help meet the cost of the annual winter maintenance works.
Given restricted capacity, advance booking is recommended at waverleyexcursions.co.uk, subject to availability tickets can be bought on board the steam ship.
Renfrewshire Live would love to hear of your experiences on the Waverley - whether it was in recent years or when you were a child.
If you have a story and photos to share, please email lynn.jolly@reachplc.com before noon on Monday, July 5.
