Calmac pays tribute to paddle steamer WAVERLEY
Calmac house flag flown on WAVERLEY at special event to mark her Diamond Jubilee

Caledonian MacBrayne paid tribute to Waverley on July 19 by presenting the ship's captain with a decanter and plaque in celebration of her Diamond Jubilee.

Chairman of Waverley Excursions Ian McMillan said:

'We are honoured that Cal Mac have paid tribute to Waverley in her Diamond Jubilee year and we are proud to fly their House flag on this special day. Cal Mac have been supportive to this Charity in the years since they gifted the ship for £1.

"Without doubt Waverley and Cal Mac working together provide services on the Clyde that are without rival anywhere else in Europe. Long may they continue.'

Peter Timms, Chairman CalMac Ferries Ltd said:

'On behalf of everyone associated with the Caledonian MacBrayne group of companies, I would like to congratulate our friends at the Waverley Steam Navigation Company on their auspicious celebration. Their sheer dedication and single-mindedness in reconstructing one of the finest vessels to ply her trade on the Clyde and beyond has given so many people a huge amount of pleasure and rich experiences.
 

"We share common goals and a distinguished heritage built on a tradition of service, reliability, outstanding seamanship and connecting communities. Whilst our gift to the Company and the ship helps celebrate '60 years of successful sailing', we have no doubt that together we share exciting futures, sailing in the same waters for much of the time. Hopefully our successful relationship and continuing friendship will stand the test of time for many years to come."

Paddle steamer WAVERLEY is the last sea going paddle steamer, and has built up a faithful following over the years.

Also in the news is that WAVERLEY went to the assistance of an upturned boat on the Clyde this week. The Clyde coastguard had radioed the steamer and asked her to be on the lookout for the small craft which had four people on board. The ship diverted from its course on the return run from a cruise to Ailsa Craig and headed for Croy Bay near Culzean Castle. By the time WAVERLEY arrived the people from the boat had thankfully made it safely to the shore.

ps WAVERLEY was built at the shipyard of A&J Inglis in 1947, on the banks of the Kelvin next to the River Clyde.