Waverley was extensively rebuilt during 2000 and 2003 with the aim of restoring her original 1947 appearance whilst complying with all relevant modern marine safety legislation.
On this and subsequent pages, the story of the first phase of the Heritage Rebuild is told through more than 300 photographs. The second Completion Phase is covered in detail here.
The rebuild of Waverley is not really about replacing old with new. The project is driven by a regime of conservation, not renewal.
Iain McMillan, Project Director Waverley Excursions Ltd
Chief Photographer and Project Manager Gordon Reid stands beneath Waverley’s paddle wheels.Nick James
Chief Photographer and Project Manager Gordon Reid stands beneath Waverley’s paddle wheels.Nick James
The first phase concentrated on the mid and aft areas of the ship. The £3m cost was met by a £2.7m Heritage Lottery Fund grant with significant partnership funding also being provided by the European Regional Development Fund, Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, Dunbartonshire Enterprise, Enterprise Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Argyll & Bute Councils and the Clydesdale Bank.
Waverley had closed the 1999 season on the Bristol Channel with the final sailings of the century before retiring to Avonmouth Docks awaiting further instruction. In late November it was announced that Phase 1 of the Heritage Rebuild contract had been awarded to George Prior Engineering Ltd. and would be carried out in Great Yarmouth. A week before Christmas Waverley steamed from the Bristol Channel to the Norfolk seaside town where she would spend eight months.
This image highlights the extent of Phase 1 of the Heritage Rebuild. Just three months after this was taken Waverley undertook sea trials before sailing over 1,000 miles for home.Gordon Reid
Whilst the quality of the contemporary digital images is variable their value in telling the story of Waverley is priceless.
WEL - Heritage Rebuild Update & Voyage to Great Yarmouth
2000
09-Jan
Preparatory Work Under Way
10-Jan
Paddle Wheels Exposed
11-Jan
Funnels & Paddle Wheels Dismantled
12-Jan
Aft Funnel Removed
13-Jan
Both Funnels Removed
17-Jan
Sponsons Dismantled
18-Jan
Main Engine Crankshaft Removed
24-Jan
Paddle Wheels Ashore
25-Jan
Boiler Out
27-Jan
New Boilers & Empty Boiler Room
01-Feb
Cleaning Up in Progress
08-Feb
Dining Saloon, Engine & Boiler Rooms Stripped
16-Feb
In Dry Dock
24-Feb
New Sponson Houses Under Construction
29-Feb
WEL - Heritage Rebuild Update
01-Mar
Boiler Room Steelwork Renewals
08-Mar
More Steelwork Renewals
14-Mar
Around the Workshop & Dry Dock
15-Mar
News from North & South of the Border
22-Mar
First New Sponson Delivered & Interesting Riveting
23-Mar
Pump Refurbishment Progress in Scotland
04-Apr
Reconstructing Boiler Room, Bar & Dining Saloon
13-Apr
Final Dry Dock Work
18-Apr
More Snaps from Waverley HQ
20-Apr
Leaving Dry Dock
27-Apr
Port Paddle Wing Block Bearing Housing
28-Apr
Starboard Sponson House Fitted & New Aft Deck Shelter
29-Apr
PSPS Visit to George Prior Engineering
10-May
Aerial View
11-May
Press Release - Movement of New Boilers
15-May
Press Release - Return to Service Announced plus Crankshaft Polishing in Progress
16-May
Boilers Delivered plus Relaunch Celebration Cruises Timetable
26-May
Boilers Lowered Into Position
03-Jun
Second PSPS Visit to Great Yarmouth
05-Jun
Progress All Round the Ship
07-Jun
Main Engine Crankshaft Refitted
20-Jun
Fitting Out plus Main Engine Reassembly
05-Jul
Interior Fit Started, Paddle Wheel Refitted plus More
21-Jul
WEL Project Director Quote
24-Jul
Funnels Fitted
27-Jul
Engine Room, Funnels & Management Team
29-Jul
Views Across the River Yare
02-Aug
Inclining Tests
07-Aug
The Crew Assembles
11-Aug
Almost Ready to Sail
12-Aug
Sea Trials
15-Aug
Eve of Departure
16-Aug
Waverley Sails from Great Yarmouth
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