Waverley paddle steamer launches £135,000 'masts and windows' winter appeal ahead of new season

The Waverley has launched a ‘masts and windows’ fundraising campaign to help preserve some of her most iconic features ahead of the 2026 season.

The “masts and windows winter appeal” aims to raise £135,000 to replace both of the ship’s masts and 13 dining saloon windows, elements that are central to the Clyde’s famous paddle steamer.

General manager Paul Semple emphasised the importance of staying faithful to traditional materials and the design.

“Many parts of the ship 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,” he said.

“Preserving Waverley is about maintaining her as far as is possible as she was intended to be. As the world continuously changes around Waverley, she becomes even more special.”

The new appeal comes as part of Waverley’s extensive 2025–26 winter refit programme, which is already under way.

This includes major investments such as replacing the fire sprinkler system and renewing the port paddlebox spring beam, projects costing more than £500,000, jointly funded by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and Waverley’s owning charity.

Replacing the ship’s fore and main masts is expected to cost around £50,000, while each new dining saloon window will cost £6,000.

All supporters who contribute to the appeal can be acknowledged on Waverley’s online Virtual Donor Wall.

The funding is essential to ensure the traditional features are installed by March 2026, in time for an important milestone year; the 80th anniversary of Waverley’s launch.

The ship continues to enjoy strong public support, carrying over 150,000 passengers in each of the last three summer seasons.

Built in Glasgow for the London and North Eastern Railway, Waverley was launched in 1946 and entered service in June 1947.

After being gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for £1, the vessel has carried more than six million passengers during her preservation career, operating as a not-for-profit charity asset and retaining her authentic 1940s style.

Waverley’s contribution to the UK economy was recently valued at £11.6m, more than doubling the impact calculated eight years ago. Sir Timothy Laurence, husband of HRH The Princess Royal, acts as Patron.

Donations to the Masts and Windows Winter Appeal can be made via the Waverley website or by contacting the Booking Office on 0141 243 2224.

Waverley’s 2026 Glasgow and Clyde Coast spring sailings will begin on Friday, May 8, with the full summer programme running from late June to late August. Timetables will be released from February.