Thanks to the generous support from well over 2,000 individuals the Dry Dock 2023 Appeal has reached its £180,000 target. The Appeal was launched in January to raise funds towards meeting the annual dry docking fees and costs associated with preparing Waverley for passenger service. This was necessary after the charity which owns Waverley faced a shortfall due to vastly increased operating costs in 2022.

Paul Semple, Waverley’s General Manager, commented, “The level of support for Waverley has been truly fantastic once again with so many people donating to the Dry Dock 2023 Appeal. The response on launching the Appeal came quickly with over £100,000 raised in a just a few weeks. Clearly there is widespread affection for what Waverley represents, the unique experience she offers and a wider understanding of the level of funding required to maintain her in seagoing condition. 

On behalf of the whole Waverley team I send our sincere thanks to everyone that has donated to the Appeal. The ultimate reward to those who have donated will be seeing Waverley back in service this summer. Everyone that has donated can take a sense of pride in knowing they play a part in ensuring the paddles keep turning.”

Waverley is currently berthed in Greenock’s James Watt Dock with maintenance works ongoing head of the 2023 season which starts on Friday May 19. This year’s dry docking saw a variety of works undertaken including the annual hull survey and repainting, steel renewals in both paddleboxes, the rudder removed for inspection and much work on the paddles.

The ship is scheduled to return to Glasgow after Easter for final works before the crew join in May to make her ship shape for the first passengers of 2023.

Bookings are now open for all Scottish Sailings – Oban & the Inner Hebrides, Glasgow & Clyde Coast. Tickets can be booked online or by calling our booking office on 0141 243 2224.