AN iconic Scottish paddle steamer first launched in October 1946 has picked up a prestigious award.
Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, has been awarded the prestigious status of National Flagship of the Year by National Historic Ships UK.
The award recognises the breadth and geographic coverage of Waverley’s sailings in addition to the extended sailing programme for 224 with a record-beating 70 ports and piers included within this year’s cruising itinerary.
Subscribe to The National for just £20 for an entire year
Throughout the season, Waverley will proudly fly a special pennant to denote its new historic status.
The award is given out annually by National Historic Ships UK to celebrate the significance and historical value of a specific vessel.
Waverley’s sailing programme will get underway on May 17 with a weekend of sailing on the Clyde Coast before setting course for Oban and the Inner Hebrides.
Following the 2023 season, an independent economic impact assessment concluded passengers aboard the vessel contributed an impressive £11.6 million to the UK economy, with £6m in Scotland - a 107% increase compared to figures from 2015
Waverley was first built in Glasgow for the London and North Eastern Railway and launched in October 1946.
Commenting on the award, Sir Timothy Laurence, husband of Princess Anne, said: “I am delighted that Waverley has been awarded the title of National Flagship 2024.
“This reflects not only the very positive impression she has created around the UK in recent years but also the economic benefit she generates wherever she goes.
“My congratulations to the Waverley team for this well-deserved award.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here