The Waverley has set sail again on the River Clyde for the first time in two years following an extensive refit.
She returned to steam and moved under her own power for the first time in 22 months, docking at the Glasgow Science Centre after undertaking sea trials in the upper Firth yesterday to test all the ship’s systems and new equipment including new boilers.
The successful return of the world's last seagoing paddle steamer follows 'open heart surgery' it undertook in the past few months in Greenock after a crowdfunding campaign secured £2.3million to enable the replacement of the ship's aged boilers, deemed unfit for purpose last summer.
More than 8,000 members of the public contributed to the fund, alongside £1million from the Scottish Government.
Paul Semple, General Manager at Waverley Excursions Ltd, explained that though the sea trials were successful, the firm have yet to make a decision on whether they'll be accepting any passenger bookings in the near future.
He said: "We are delighted that Waverley has returned to steam and moved under her own power for the first time in 22 months.
"The last few months has seen the new boilers installed and much of the electrical systems replaced. All of this work was possible thanks to the generosity of those who donated to the appeal last year.
"She undertook sea trials in the upper Firth on Thursday to test all the ship’s systems and new equipment including the new boilers. These trials were successful. We have yet to take a final decision on whether we will operate with passengers this season."
