Latest news with #TheWaverley
STV News
22-07-2025
- General
- STV News
Pod of dolphins captured soaring alongside Waverley paddle steamer
A pod of dolphins has been spotted soaring alongside a boat as it left a dock in North Ayrshire. The animals were captured swimming alongside the Waverley paddle steamer as it left Largs on Monday afternoon. Photographer, Pix by Pedro, said it was his favourite drone clip he has captured. Sharing the footage on Facebook, he said: 'This is probably my favourite drone video that I have captured. 'Totally unexpected and technically difficult to film, but I hope you enjoy a wee clip of the dolphins (four or five including a young one) breaking the water in advance of The Waverley as it left Largs this afternoon.' STV News is now on WhatsApp Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Wales Online
The Waverley paddle steamer returns to Wales for summer sailings
The Waverley paddle steamer returns to Wales for summer sailings The Waverley has been sailing for 50 years and is back in Wales this month The Waverley is the last seagoing passenger carrying paddle steamer in the world (Image: Media Wales ) Celebrating 50 years on the water, The Waverley is returning to the Wales this month and will be docking in different locations in the coming weeks. As it cruises the Bristol Channel and south west Wales once again this June, the paddle steamer will be docking at Penarth, Swansea, Tenby, Fishguard and Porthcawl for visitors to hop aboard. From now until June 25, you can marvel at the world's last seagoing paddle steamer or even hop aboard and enjoy the historic ship as it sails across the water to the north Devon harbour town of Ilfracombe. Once aboard the Waverley, you'll be transported back in time as you see the splendid triple expansion steam engine, reviving the genuine allure of a classic steamship as you hear the telegraph chime, observe the engine's elegant movement, see the paddles rotate through the portholes. Passengers can also enjoy the catering facilities on board with a hot or cold snack, tea and cake in the afternoon, a hot meal in the Dining Saloon or a refreshment in one of the period lounges. The Waverley will be sailing through the waters in Wales this month (Image: Media Wales ) There are two planned trips to a remote island of Lundy, where the Atlantic and the Bristol Channel meet on June 15 and 17. Passengers will be able to step off the ship and explore the island. Article continues below On Wednesday, June 18 the Captain's Choice cruise will see the much-loved ship sail from Porthcawl at 10am to Minehead then along the Exmoor coast to Ilfracombe. On Sunday, June 22 the ship will be visiting Porthcawl at 3.15pm where the beach will be filled with visitors for BeachFest Porthcawl. This year The Waverley will be taking one trip to Tenby on Tuesday, June 24 setting off from Penarth at 9.20am. People in Tenby can then step aboard for an evening cruise where they can view Caldey Island and the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast as Waverley sets course for Milford Haven. The finale of this year's sailings will take place on Wednesday, June 25, with a sailing from Fishguard, Waverley's first public sailing from the town in over 30 years. For the full timetable for The Waverley, visit here. Article continues below
STV News
30-05-2025
- STV News
'Labour of love': Renovated island pier gets visit from the Waverley
It was a day decades in the making. On Tuesday, hundreds gathered at Salen Pier on the Isle of Mull to welcome the Waverley paddle steamer to dock. The occasion marked the first passenger ferry to stop there since 1964 – when the pier was the island's main port. For owner Peter Stanhope, the day marked a major milestone in a nearly 20-year-long renovation project. STV News Peter Stanhope boarding the ferry at Salen Pier STV News 'It's been a labour of love,' he told STV News. 'We tried for some grants but they weren't forthcoming, so it's literally been restored by blood, sweat and tears from friends and family.' Pupils from Salen Primary School led the warm welcome as the paddle steamer arrived. 'We've never had a welcome like that,' the commentator announced on board. Barry Whenman The children of Salen Primary School celebrating The Waverley's arrival Barry Whenman Mairi Maclean, headteacher of Salen Primary School said: 'The children really enjoyed it, they were really excited about seeing the Waverley coming into the pier. They were cheering and just really looking forward to seeing a paddle steamer.' The pier was bought by Peter in 2007 when it had fallen into a significant state of disrepair. Peter Stanhope Salen Pier archive from 1934 Peter Stanhope Between 1905 and 1955 the MacBrayne MV Lochinvar served the as the island's principal connection to the mainland, stopping off at Salen before heading to the island's capital of Tobermory. The pier had been the island's main port contact to Oban on the mainland, but when the car-carrying ferries replaced the Lochinvar the pier was abandoned and suffered decay. Today, Peter runs holiday homes from the pier's former waiting rooms – the only holiday rentals to sit on a pier in the UK. Peter Stanhope The pier when Peter bought in 2007 Peter Stanhope He hopes the Waverley visit marks a new chapter in the forgotten landmark's history – and can be the first of many visits to come. Paul Semple, the general manger of Waverley Excursions, said: 'The first visit to Salen has been a great success. We'll look to build it into the future programme. 'Occasionally we do find piers that the Waverley has not visited and we'll try and take the ship to the piers because we know the reaction and the support the ship will get when she visits somewhere new.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
