A Scottish icon paddle steamer the PS Waverley arrived in the Sound last night and was spotted on our 24-hour webcam.
The world’s last seagoing steamer made its historic return to the city this morning for fuel and to undertake a trial berthing at the Barbican landing stage – now becoming a familiar place for UK and international ships visiting the city.
It was reported that planning for the ship’s visit was made about a year ago, even though many people were delightfully surprised to see the beautiful ship in the Sound and Barbican.
The Paddle Steamer was a regular visitor in Plymouth waters during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
City maritime bosses are hoping the Waverley will return to the city in 2024.
The PS Waverley is making its way back to her home waters of the Firth of Clyde for the ship’s final weekend of sailings for 2023.
Named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels, it can carry up to 700 passengers.
The PS Waverley was built in 1946, and is now regularly selling out on its voyages, which are typically day trips around the British coastlines, or across estuaries.
The paddle steamer now contains eateries and bars, as well as a souvenir shop, and is owned by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, which was gifted the ship for £1 in 1974.
Waverley Excursions is a registered charity and anyone looking for more information and booking online: https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/
The visit of the Waverley follows other recent high profile cruise liner visits, majestic tall ships, and superyachts.
Image courtesy of Ron, Pictures of Scotland: https://www.picturesofscotland.co.uk/the-waverley/
