It's been announced that the Waverley fund has reaxched the target of 2.3 million and she will be moved under tow to Greenock in January for the boiler work to be carried out. It is expected to take around four months and she is expected to carry out a full programme of cruises during 2020.

By way of contrast, here is a picture of the Medway Queen that I took on Tuesday. She is moored at Gillingham Pier in Kent. Restoration work continues, but she is open to the public. Her hull was completely rebuilt in Bristol a few years ago but funds for re-engining remain elusive. One day, we hope.

Nerys

We are very lucky that the Scottish Government gave a million towards the Waverley restoration. They must regard her as a national treasure, as indeed she is and of course, she is much better known and publicised. It is a pity though that these other ships that are fully deserving of saving are virtually ignored. Maid of the Loch is probably the most likely to sail again. Her engines were fired up for the first time in forty years earlier this year following a government grant and money from the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. She has been a static exhibit on Loch Lomond for some years. Medway Queen went through a complete hull rebuild in Bristol a few years ago and is open to the public at Gillingham Pier in Kent where she is still undergoing restoration, however there wasn't enough money available to re-engine her. Hopefully that will happen one day. I saw Balmoral a few weeks ago and she looks rather sorry for herself. The charity who own her are endeavouring to raise something over 3 million for the necessary repairs.

Nerys

Agreed Nerys - problem is everything is so relatively expensive - probably costs many times more to renew the ships than their original cost - even allowing for inflation - and in this world bottom line seems to be - money is king.........and greed reigns.
Instead of renting houses for so called refugees at exorbitant prices and paying themselves exorbitant salaries & allowances politicians should also be helping to preserve some useful things for history...........

Much though I am happy about Waverley, I do wish there was as much public interest in other ships that are desperate for money to get them back in service. Balmoral and Maid of the Loch and a few shekels thrown at the Medway Queen wouldn't go amiss either.

Cheers, Nerys

Great news Nerys - she is a great piece of history worth saving

Yes,Great news Nery's I think that's only £100,000 from the total thats needed.
Cheers Mark

Good News, Waverley's boiler fit appeal has now reached 2.2 million and she will move to Greenock in January for the work to be carried out, enabling her to return to service in 2020.
Also in 2020, Scotland will celebrate the Year of Coasts and Waters, with many events to inspire visitors to explore and experience Scottish waters. Obviously the return of Waverley will be part of this.

Cheers, Nerys