80th Anniversary of the Waverley Paddle Steamer Launch

That the Parliament recognises that 2 October 2026 marked the 80th anniversary of the launch of the Waverley paddle steamer, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world; notes that the Waverley was launched at the Pointhouse Yard of A&J Inglis in Glasgow and was the last steamer built for LNER; thanks the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for taking on the Waverley after it was withdrawn from active service in 1974; recognises that an estimated six million people have travelled on it since then, on routes around the UK, with passenger numbers exceeding 150,000 each summer for the past three years; notes that the Waverley continues to sail across the West Scotland region and beyond, including to Ardrossan, Brodick, Greenock, Kilcreggan, Largs, Lochranza and Millport; commends the work of the Waverley Steam Navigation Company and the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in keeping the Waverley operational and ensuring that, 80 years on, people can continue to enjoy Clyde coast scenery from a steamer, including through fundraising for repairs on several occasions, and looks forward to many more people having the opportunity to experience steam-powered maritime travel for years to come.