WAVERLEY'S 2021 season ended on a high with a capacity crowd enjoying a magnificent final sailing round the Isle of Bute last week.

Her crew took these superb snaps to mark the end of her return to service after crash at Brodick Pier last September.

The famous paddle steamer is now laid up for winter at her berth in Glasgow.

Over the coming months the maintenance works programme will get underway. Planning for the 2022 season has begun as her management look forward to celebrating Waverley’s 75th anniversary.

A spokesperson for operators Waverley Excursions said: "Following the final sailing of 2021, Waverley is now being prepared for winter layup.

"She was turned at her Glasgow berth and extra mooring lines were attached to secure her for winter.

"Many of the wooden bench seats have been moved inside to protect them from weathering. The boilers have now been blown down and in the coming days the engine room and boiler room will cool down.

"The ship has received fantastic support over the past three months and we are very grateful that so many people stepped aboard the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer and supported us.

"Operating and maintaining Waverley is very costly, but with the continued support of so many individuals and organisations, we can keep the paddles beating."