PS Waverley

The North British Railway Company had a tradition of naming their ships after characters from Walter Scott novels. The first PS Waverley carried passengers on the Clyde between 1899 and 1939.

During both World Wars the Craigendoran steamers played their part. In World War Two only the Lucy Ashton remained to continue the steamer service and the original Waverley was sunk at the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940.

Her namesake, which entered service in 1947, still sails the Clyde for summer excursions, and is the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer. She was a regular visitor to Helensburgh Pier for over 30 years until the Pier’s closure to marine traffic in 2018.

In 2024 she sailed past and then came in close to the Pier as if to berth, demonstrating that if the Pier could be reopened to marine visitors she would be able to visit once again.

Waverley leaving Helensburgh Pier on a sunny day in 2024. Image courtesy of Waverley Excursions Ltd
Waverley sailing past Helensburgh Pier on a sunny day in 2024. Image courtesy of Waverley Excursions Ltd
Helensburgh Pier c. 1890s (postcard). Courtesy of the Estate of the late Patricia Drayton.

1800s

In response to the increase in visitor numbers facilitated by steam navigation in 1816 a…
Read More
Helensburgh Pier Aerial Photo R Smith

2000s

The Pier was still in use until 2018 when it was closed to marine traffic.
Read More
Scroll to Top