The Paddle Steamer Waverley will commemorate the golden jubilee of its preservation with a special sailing. 

On August 8, the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world will return to Ardrossan for the first time in a decade.

It will then cross to Brodick on the Isle of Arran before cruising to the Arran coastline, providing passengers with a unique view of Pladda Lighthouse and Holy Isle.

The steamer, which was built in Glasgow in 1946, was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) 50 years ago.

(Image: Waverley Excursions Ltd)

Its anniversary sailing will celebrate the ship's illustrious past and honour the PSPS, which has kept the Waverley in service for half a century.

Terry Sylvester and Douglas McGowan MBE, who secured Waverley’s future from the Scottish Transport Group in 1974, will be in attendance.

Mr McGowan said: "The £1 offer to buy Waverley was a surreal moment in my life and felt like a fairytale at the time.

(Image: Waverley Excursions Ltd)

"As an enthusiast in the 70s we deeply wanted Waverley to survive for a few more years, but I could never have dreamt that 50 years later she would still be paddling and giving pleasure to tens of thousands of people around the UK each summer.

"I am absolutely delighted that the ship is now recognised as a ‘National Treasure’ and valued by so many for what she represents, and the unique experience she offers.

"I look forward to meeting passengers on board for our special sailing on August 8."

Passengers can board at Greenock, Dunoon, Largs, Ardrossan, and Brodick to journey down the Arran coastline.

(Image: Waverley Excursions Ltd)

Tickets for the special cruise and other sailings can be booked at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.

A new publication titled Waverley 50 Years of Preservation, chronicling the ship's history from its construction in 1946 to her revival, is available to purchase onboard.

The ship has been named National Flagship of the Year 2024 by National Historic Ships UK, with 70 ports included in its record-breaking sailing programme for 2024.

To mark the anniversary, children aged five to 16 can sail for just £1 on all Glasgow and Clyde Coast sailings this year.