An appeal has been launched to raise £135,000 to replace Waverley’s two timber masts and most of the Dining Saloon windows ahead of the 2026 sailing season.

Following an end of season inspection the decision was taken that both masts and thirteen Dining Saloon windows must be replaced. These traditional features are central to Waverley’s distinctive profile, and renewing them in authentic materials is essential to preserving the ship’s historic character and renewed appearance.

A fracture on the main mast occurred on the final sailing of 2025 which led to the upper section being removed, Waverley then completed the season looking a little sorry for herself. The fore mast has since been fully inspected and found to have several cracks extending up the 17m mast although not individually deep collectively they show the mast is aging. It has though given great service to the ship having been fitted back in 2003 during the second phase of the Heritage Rebuild.

Paul Semple, Waverley’s General Manager, explains the importance the ships authentic preservation: “Essentially, many parts of Waverley could be replaced with more modern materials and fittings which may last longer, but collectively that would change the look and feel of the ship. Preserving Waverley is about maintaining her as far as is possible as she was intended to be. We are preserving her truly unique character. As the world continuously changes around Waverley she becomes even more special as she represents a moment in time when she was first designed and built.”

Throughout Waverley’s preservation career many refurbishments have been undertaken, though it has not always been possible to fully preserve her original 1947 character. Waverley’s owning charity remains fully committed to maintaining her traditional style wherever possible, even though it is rarely the most cost-efficient route.

Waverley’s 2025–26 winter refit is now well underway, with essential maintenance and several major investment projects in progress. This includes replacing the fire sprinkler system and renewing the port paddlebox spring beam, these two works alone will cost over £500,000 and are being jointly funded by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and Waverley’s owning charity. This winter’s refit was already shaping up to be expensive, but with the addition costs of both masts and the Dining Saloon windows the total cost will now be over £1.5 million.

To allow the work on Waverley’s masts and windows to be completed by March 2026, Waverley’s supporters are being asked to help raise £135,000. All donations, large or small, are warmly welcomed. Contributions will help prepare Waverley for the 2026 season, during which she will proudly mark the 80th anniversary of her launch.

Donations can be made online or by contacting Waverley’s Booking Office on 0141 243 2224 (Mon–Thur 9:30am-4:30pm, Fri 9:30an-4pm).

Everyone that donates can opt to be included on our Virtual Donor Wall. Everyone the donates by 1st March 2026 will automatically be entered into our Donor’s Draw to win either a visit to Waverley during the refit, a Sailing Pass for 2026, an invitation to cruise and visit the bridge as well as other prizes. Those who donate at least £100 will receive a specially produced LNER styled A4 poster just for those who donate to the Masts & Windows Winter Appeal. Those who donate £250 or more will receive an invitation for a cruise in 2026 and a small section of mast removed from Waverley as a keepsake.