Two of the original members of the Paddle Steam Preservation Society who handed over a £1 note to purchase the Waverley recreated the moment today on the 50th anniversary of the event.

Launched from the Glasgow yard of A. & J. Inglis in August 1946, the Waverley set sail for the first time on June 16 of the following year. 

Then the Caledonian Steam Packet and Caledonian MacBrayne famously sold the vessel to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for £1 in 1974, and she sailed in preservation for the first time in May 1975. 

Waverley presentation of 50 years ago as preservation society purchased the ship for the princely sum of £1Waverley presentation of 50 years ago as preservation society purchased the ship for the princely sum of £1 (Image: Waverley Excursions)

On Thursday, August 8, 1974 two members of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society - Douglas McGovan MBE and Terry Sylvester - handed over a £1 note and Waverley became the property of her own company.

The company was appropriately named Waverley Steam Navigation Company Limited (WSN) and is a registered company.

One of the early tasks undertaken by WSN to show Waverley’s change of ownership was to repaint her funnels with the red, white and black colours of Waverley’s original owners in 1947, the London and North Eastern Railway.

Thursday 8th August 2024 - Terry and Douglas hold Waverley’s owning company’s house flag and a £1 note.Thursday 8th August 2024 - Terry and Douglas hold Waverley’s owning company’s house flag and a £1 note. (Image: Waverley Excursions)

Throughout her preservation career Waverley’s funnel colours have become instantly recognisable.

This photo is from a post. View Post Waverley Excursions 4h · Thursday 8th August 1974 with Douglas (far left) and Terry (far right)On Thursday 8th August 1974 with Douglas (far left) and Terry (far right) (Image: Waverley Excursions)

A Waverley Excursions spokesperson said: "Today [Thursday] marks a significant milestone in what has been a half century of preservation of the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer.

"We are delighted that both Douglas and Terry are aboard today and were happy to pose for the camera holding a £1 note."

To mark the special day, a special anniversary cruise took place on the west of Scotland.

The iconic paddle steamer set off today from Greenock at around 10am before stopping off in Largs and then departed from Ardrossan for the first time in over a decade.

She is then sailed across to Brodick before cruising down the Arran coastline, offering passengers a unique view of Pladda Lighthouse and sail round Holy Isle.