By Stephanie Silom

A fundraising appeal to save paddle steamer Waverley has reached its £2.3 million target in a mere seven months.

Waverley is the last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steamer in existence and has been a regular visitor to Weymouth and the west Dorset coast over the years.

She entered service in 1947, and since 1975 has operated on a not-for-profit basis, offering a variety of day, afternoon and evening cruises.

She was restored to her former glory following a major £7 million Heritage Rebuild in 2003 but had to be withdrawn from the 2019 season due to structural defects in her boilers.

The Boiler Refit Appeal was officially launched on June 15, and since then has attracted donations from over 8,000 individuals, with support from the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, several trusts and £1 million from the Scottish Government. Arnold Clark and the Swire Charitable Trust are amongst those who have contributed.

Waverley Excursions General Manager, Paul Semple, said: “Thanks to the fantastic generosity of so many people and organisations we are now able to push ‘full ahead’ with Waverley’s boiler refit, which will be the most substantial refit since her rebuild back in 2003. I would like to thank everyone who has donated to the appeal and supported our efforts to save the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world.”

Despite being the most successful appeal for cash in the ship’s preservation career, annual costs mean that ongoing support will be required.

Mr Semple said: “We are deeply grateful to all those who have helped this year, and in the months and years ahead, will ask those who care and who are able to help, to add Waverley to their permanent thoughts.”

Waverley’s new boilers are currently being built by Cochran’s Ltd, and Waverley will be moved from Glasgow to Greenock under tow in January, where the major works will take place. Works are expected to be completed in around four months and will allow Waverley to undertake her regular cruises around the west of Scotland, the Mersey, Bristol Channel, South Coast and the Thames.

To donate to Waverley, go to https://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/supporting_waverley/donate/