On 8th August 1974, ownership of the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer passed from Caledonian MacBrayne to a newly formed company set up by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS). This symbolic £1 transaction saved Waverley from being scrapped and began what has become one of the greatest maritime preservation efforts in the world.
After her withdrawal from service at the end of her 1973 summer season, Waverley’s future hung in the balance. In November 1973, CalMac offered to gift the ship to the Society for £1. An out of the water inspection followed, and Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd was established to take legal ownership on behalf of the PSPS.
The handover on, seen here for the first time in decades, marked the start of Waverley’s new life in preservation. Leading the campaign to save her were Douglas McGowan from Glasgow and Terry Sylvester from Barry, South Wales, together with Peter Reid. All three became founding directors of Waverley Steam Navigation Company.
Purchasing Waverley was only the beginning. In October 1974, a public appeal was launched to raise the funds needed to prepare her for a return to service. Thanks to the generosity of the public, the funds were secured, her boiler fires were lit on 10th May 1975, and on 24th May she undertook her first public sailing in preservation from Glasgow to Ardrishaig.
For over 50 years, Waverley has continued to operate in preservation, surviving challenges that could easily have ended her career. Her survival is the direct result of the dedication of her supporters, the loyalty of her passengers, and the hard work of her crews and volunteers.
THE PADDLE STEAMER PRESERVATION SOCIETY (PSPS)
Founded in 1959, the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) is the World’s largest organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting paddle steamers. It played a pivotal role in saving Waverley in 1974 and has provided vital financial and practical support ever since.
Today, the Society has thousands of members in the UK and overseas. Membership subscriptions, donations, and legacies have funded essential maintenance, restoration projects, and ongoing preservation work not only for Waverley but also for Kingswear Castle, Britain’s last operational coal-fired paddle steamer, which the society also saved.
Kingswear Castle currently operates on the River Dart in Devon, allowing passengers to enjoy the sights and sounds of traditional paddle steamer travel in another part of the country.
By joining the PSPS, members directly support both vessels and receive a range of benefits, including the Society’s magazine Paddle Wheels four times a year, access to members-only events and cruises, and opportunities to visit Waverley during winter maintenance periods. Members become part of an active preservation community, sharing in the achievement of keeping living pieces of maritime history alive.
The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society remains at the heart of Waverley’s story, providing vital ongoing support to ensure Waverley continues to sail for future generations.
You can be part of that preservation legacy by joining the PSPS today: www.paddlesteamers.org/join/
Watch the footage now at https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1GcZb96Utn/
