My first Waverley trip from Glasgow to Rothesay and Dunoon

“It’s a full house on Glasgow’s best-looking 80-year-old,” commentator Iain Quinn says over the speaker.  

Last week, I went ‘doon the watter’ for the first time on the PS Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer that was launched in 1946.  

Having grown up in the Highlands, I wasn’t familiar with the famous ship until I moved to the city six years ago, but I’ve since come to understand the role she’s played in many Glaswegians’ summers and was excited to spend the day sailing the Clyde.  

Before she even left Glasgow, it was clear to see how much the Waverley still means to the city as people stopped on the banks or gathered at flat windows to wave as she went past.  

Iconic paddle steamer Waverley preparing for next season with major winter refit

Waverley to retrace 100-year-old routes of historic steamer

World's last seagoing paddle steamer launches 80th anniversary season

The PS Waverley (Image: Newsquest)

Clearly, no matter how many summers she’s spent going along the river, people are still excited to see her.  

After sitting enjoying the view and Iain’s commentary on the history of shipbuilding........

© Glasgow Times