MSP Neil Bibby has welcomed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s promise to engage with those fundraising to save the historic Waverley paddle steamer, and urged the First Minister to back the campaign with financial funding.
Summer sailings on the Waverley were cancelled due to mechanical problems – the first summer in 45 years that the paddle steamer has not sailed. Now Waverley enthusiasts, mariners and members of the public are being asked to donate to a £2.3 million appeal to refit the boiler system and save the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer.
Neil Bibby, West of Scotland Labour MSP, said: “I welcome the First Minister’s promise to engage with those fundraising to save the world famous Waverley paddle steamer.
“This engagement must be followed up with support from the Scottish Government to save the Waverley.
“Generations of people have enjoyed sailing on the ship, but that may come to an end unless the Scottish Government joins with members of the public in rallying to save the vessel.
“The Waverley is iconic, fondly remembered, instantly recognisable to so many here and beyond – it is a symbol of Scotland. I hope individuals, businesses, the community and Government too will support this appeal. She has to be saved and she has to sail again.”
The Paddle Steamer Waverley was built for the London and North Eastern Railway and entered service on 16th June 1947 and is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world.
It was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for £1.
Waverley has operated on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis since 1975 and is owned by a Registered Charity and since then has carried over 6 million passengers since being preserved and visits over 60 ports and piers around the U.K. offering a variety of day, afternoon and evening cruises.
Waverley has a 4-star Scottish Tourist Board Tour Award and was nominated by the Sunday Times as “Top 3 nostalgic journey in the world”.
A recent Economic Impact Survey concluded that Waverley contributes over £5.6 million to the U.K. economy an equivalent of 136 jobs per annum.
Donations to the appeal can be made online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224 or Text STEAM £20 to 70085 to donate £20.
Photo: Neil Bibby MSP on board with the Waverley with his colleagues Jackie Baillie MSP and Paul Semple, General Manager of Waverley Excursions