Waverley Model
Model of PS Waverley, 1946 A&J Inglis T.1986.2
“The scenic beauty of the Firth of Clyde will always be best seen from the deck of a Clyde paddle steamer.”
James Inglis, after the launch of the paddle steamer Waverley.
Comment by John Menzies
Just to see how the river has changed over time is really interesting. The shipyards have gone but I don't get weepy-eyed at not seeing Brown's yard anymore or Inglis where the Waverley was built. I don't get nostalgic.
From: John Menzies
Comment by Stewart Thompson
It’s full of nostalgia. Going on the Waverley’s what you did with your grandparents, your parents, and, hopefully, with my kids. I always associate it with the Clyde.
From: Stewart Thompson
Questions by Glasgow Museums
Have you taken a trip on the Waverley? Can you remember your first outing?
Where did you go?
Eyewitness by Douglas McGowan
My earliest memory of sailing on the Waverley and other steamers such as the Jeanie Deans, Caledonia, Queen Mary II, Duchess of Hamilton and Duchess of Montrose in the late 1950's and 1960's is the happy atmosphere on board. It was mainly locals in those days out for a day trip but there were also a fair number of holidaymakers who would be spending a fortnight at Dunoon or Rothesay and had ‘come for a sail’.
There was a cafeteria on board with wonderful scones, pancakes, sausage rolls and cakes all baked at the Caledonian Steam Packet Bakery on Gourock Pier. There were three sittings of lunch and three sittings of High Tea which you had to book in advance at the Purser's Office. Meals would be served at long tables of ten by immaculate waitresses in white blouses and black skirts.
There was often a three or four piece band on board. After playing for half an hour, a member of the band would come round with a bag and shake it under your nose for a contribution. There was no escape!
From: Douglas McGowan, Secretary of the Scottish Branch of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society
Eye Witness by Scotty Rafferty
I have travelled on the Wavery from Penarth Pier in South Wales, to the N Devon coast, and have to say that it one of my favourite experiences, having made many trips on a variety of ships, large and small.
From: Scotty Rafferty
