By Democrat reporter
Everybody’s favourite paddle steamer, the world-famous Waverley is scheduled to do a “sail past” of Helensburgh to back the campaign to bring the town’s pier back into action for cruises Doon the Watter.
Activists in Helensburgh are aiming to take over the facility and bring it back to regular use by the Waverley and many other vessels.
And they have asked for a huge public turnout for the sail past to show the strength of support for both the iconic ship, and the town’s pier.
Bill Purdon, chair of the local group seeking to reopen the pier, said, “We would ask that as many people as possible in the town gather on Helensburgh pier to see Waverley as she paddles past the pier to give her and her passengers a cheer.
(Image: Waverley Excursions Ltd)“We’ll be issuing small flags to wave, while Waverley will give long blasts on her whistle and encourage passengers to cheer and wave back, so it should be an exciting occasion.”
The pier was closed to marine traffic in 2018 and the group of passionate volunteers are working to take over ownership from Argyll and Bute Council, who last year reported the pier was not viable for fixing.
The Waverley is not permitted to berth, but will slowly sail close to it to demonstrate it could visit Helensburgh once more.
Paul Semple, Waverley general manager, said: “We are exceptionally keen and determined to have Waverley make regular calls at Helensburgh once again and would encourage locals to show support by turning out to see Waverley.
“Through most of Waverley’s 50-year preservation career, Helensburgh has been a key calling point with great support shown from locals to step aboard Waverley over the years.
Waverley will perform the sail past around midday on Sunday, August 18.
The event is free, and organisers hope as many people as possible can give their support by turning out to witness the iconic steamer returning.ng.