Posted: 02/07/2025 16:05:13
On Sunday 29th June, the staff, volunteers, and trustees of the Tall Ship Glenlee swapped their usual decks for another historic vessel – the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, the iconic PS Waverley – for a long-awaited team outing doon the watter. And what a day it was! With the sun blazing down from a cloudless sky, it wasn’t long before many of us were sporting very nautical shades of red – not from uniform, but from sunburn.
Over the winter, the wonderful Waverley volunteers had shared our workshop to sand and polish many of the benches from their ship. It’s been a real pleasure to get to know them, admire their hard and painstaking work – and, most importantly, steal their biscuits!
From the moment we stepped aboard, we were treated like royalty. A warm welcome came over the tannoy from Iain Quinn, who gave Glenlee a special shout out, prompting a hearty cheer from our group as we steamed past our beloved ship. The sight of Glenlee from the Clyde was a moment of real pride for everyone on board.
We were well looked after throughout the day, with Colin keeping everything running smoothly and Carla, Waverley’s engineer chatting away with our Richard, holding a lively conversation in sign language, no doubt comparing stories of ship life.
The day unfolded in the best possible way – with laughter, shared stories, card games, and meaningful conversations. As we sailed down the Clyde, we were constantly reminded of our shared maritime history. The Waverley herself was built not far from Glenlee’s current home – at the Inglis Shipyard on the River Kelvin, now the site of the Riverside Museum – a living link between two remarkable ships that have stood the test of time.
We passed Port Glasgow, and with it, a special moment: a view of the area where Anderson Rodger’s Bay Yard once stood – the very yard that built and launched Glenlee in 1896. As we sailed by, our trustee Fiona pointed out Glenpark, the former home of Anderson Rodger himself, and the nearby Glenlee villa – the inspiration behind our ship’s name.
By the time we returned to shore, we were sun-kissed, wind-swept, and full of good cheer. More than just a jolly, the day was a celebration of friendship, shared heritage, and the community that keeps Glenlee’s story alive.
Here’s to more days like this – where past and present meet on the Clyde, and where the people behind Glenlee get a moment to reflect, recharge, and enjoy the journey.