Cross-party (and NAC) support for the Waverley
Both the Scottish Parliament and Westminster are now showing support for The Waverley Appeal, a campaign to secure the future of the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. Scottish Labour MSP for the Glasgow region, Drew Smith, has, with cross-party support, launched ‘Full Steam Ahead for the Campaign to Save the Waverley’ while in London Liberal Democrat MP, Alan Reid, has tabled an Early Day Motion calling for the House to welcome the Waverley Appeal. The 20 MPs who have already signed it have been made aware of the considerable economic contribution that the Waverley and her passengers make to the many towns at which she berths. Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies is raising awareness in the Vale of Glamorgan of the Waverley’s urgent need for support.
The newly-appointed Chairman of the Waverley’s Development Board, Charlie Gordon, said, ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have cross-party support. The Waverley has been a pioneer in developing local tourism, and will continue to do so with the necessary funding and support. We are supported by many volunteers, and to see politicians getting involved across the country is wonderful.’
Inverclyde and North Ayrshire, both key stopping-points on the Waverley’s summer itinerary, have pledged £15,000 respectively, joining long-term supporters Glasgow City Council.
If you want to help, see the Waverley’s own website.
The pictures below show the Waverley leaving Largs pier with a full complement of 860 passengers on her last outing of 2011; and returning again after a grand day out.
