Platinum partnership sets Waverley on her way
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Galt Transport was on hand this week to help Glasgow’s famous paddle steamer Waverley with final preparations ahead of her first sailings of the season.
Both Galt Transport and Waverley are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion, Galt Transport sent along their special platinum anniversary truck to carry out the job.
Waverley is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. At the end of her working life, she was famously bought for £1 by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Waverley then began a second career as one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions.
Waverley's Captain Ross Cochrane & Allan Galt
Having acquired a small work boat to help move and position Waverley while in the water, Waverley Excursions enlisted the help of Galt Transport to deliver the work boat to Glasgow from its original home in South Shields. Following a careful refurbishment by a team of staff and volunteers, the boat was lifted and lowered onto the water by the Dumbarton-based haulier using their special anniversary lorry mounted crane.
Waverley’s Captain Ross Cochrane and Galt Transport Managing Director Allan Galt were both on site to watch the operation on the quayside at Glasgow’s Science Centre.
Still owned and operated by the same family, Galt Transport was established in 1947 using four vehicles, together with a horse and cart for local deliveries. The company originally provided a next day service from Glasgow’s quaysides to Dumbarton, Alexandria and Balloch. These days, the company now runs over 60 vehicles and 100 trailers from four depots across central Scotland.
Waverley starts her season sailing amidst the stunning scenery of the Western Isles and then spends the summer exploring the West Coast of Scotland. She then visits Liverpool & North Wales followed by the Bristol Channel before moving onto the South Coast of England in September and London and the Thames in October. Tickets for all sailings are available online at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk
If you spot Galt Transport’s special 70th anniversary truck make sure you share your pictures on social media with #Galt70 www.galttransport.co.uk
The work boat is lowered into the water