Return of Waverley trips from Glasgow delayed due to shortage of crew

The Waverley paddle steamer was due to resume sailings from Glasgow today but bosses confirmed its long awaited return has been postponed until next week.

Waverley Excursions, which operates the 74-year-old ship, said it had been hit by a lack of staff which was affecting the whole maritime sector.

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It now plans to launch the steamer’s summer programme next Tuesday with trips to Loch Long and Loch Goil.

Cancelled excursions included to Rothesay, Tighnabruaich and Millport.

It’s another setback for the historic ship after being laid up for the whole of 2019 for boiler replacement work.

The 2020 season was reduced to just two weeks because of covid restrictions and a crash at Brodick pier on Arran in September where 24 people injured.

Bosses said more than 4,500 tickets sold over the last two weeks but distancing restrictions means the ship can carry only 35 per cent of her normal passengers.

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Waverley Excursions general manager Paul Semple said: “We have pushed back the start until next Tuesday.

“This is due to crew availability, and in particular catering, deck and engine room ratings.

"Across the industry, there is a shortage of crew.

“There are fewer eastern European crew available who can work in the UK, but there is also a shortage of British seafarers.

"With Waverley being seasonal, she can be attractive to some seafarers but others prefer a regular on/off work pattern, such as will be available with ferry operators.

“One-off sailings to Campbeltown and Ardrishaig have proven popular and may be the first to sell out at the reduced capacity.”

Preparations for the ship’s return to service have continued since it arrived back home beside Glasgow Science Centre last month.

It came following the completion of repairs to the bow which was damaged in the Brodick collision.