The historic paddle steamer is back in action after a £2m fundraising appeal proved successful

An historic paddle steamer will return to the waters today for the first time in over a year.

The Waverley will return to the Clyde from today (Friday 21 August) having undergone major refurbishment.

The 70-year-old ship missed the 2019 season as it waited for urgent repairs.

Last September, the operators of the steamer received a £1m grant from the Scottish Government to help with the restoration.

Clyde sailings will run from until 6 September, but with significantly limited capacity because of Covid-19 restrictions.

A funding appeal raised more than £2 million to help get The Waverley back into operation.

Paul Semple, the general manager of Waverley Excursions, said: "With the length of Waverley's sailing season being reduced from five months to just over two weeks due to Covid-19 this will present a funding challenge as we try to cover the costs associated with the coming winter period.

"We will therefore welcome all possible support to ensure Waverley can survive beyond Covid-19."