And it was only fitting that the celebratory event on Friday 1st August took place on a national treasure; the Waverley, the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, which is listed as a vessel of pre-eminent national significance on the National Historic Fleet register.

Over 600 guests boarded the Waverley on Glasgow’s Pacific Quay ready for celebrations, fun, music and a scenic cruise.

The three-hour cruise saw the Waverley ‘paddle’ to the Tail of the Bank’, the mouth of the river between Greenock and Dumbarton and then return for the second part of the celebrations and the ever changing coastal landscape.

Along the River Clyde, onlookers cheered and waved from other vessels and the Waverley responded with blasts of the ship’s whistle causing even louder cheering!

Live music was performed by Dignity, the legendary six piece Deacon Blue tribute band who entertained guests with perfect renditions of the Scottish band’s hit songs including Wages Day, Dignity, Real Gone Kid, Fergus Sings the Blues and many more. Guests sang along and danced the night away. Music was also provided by ‘DJ’ Robert Mackinnon, Fire Crew Commander at Glasgow Airport,who kept the party atmosphere ‘stoked’. 

Set against the backdrop of the historic Waverley, the evening was filled with a jubilant atmosphere, great music and friends joining together to support our cause. Social media platforms lit up as guests posted their experiences and onlookers shared sightings of the celebrations as the Waverley travelled the Clyde. 

Alan Gilmour, Lighthouse Scotland West Committee chair, said: “What a fantastic way to celebrate Scotland West’s 60th Anniversary. The feedback has been amazing from everyone that was lucky enough to get tickets. We are always humbled by the support we receive at our events, but this evening was particularly memorable. Over £21,000 was raised through ticket sales, event sponsors,  and a raffle with amazing prizes along with additional donations on the night. 

“A huge thank you goes to all those who made sure everything was ‘ship shape’ on the night. A particular mention and thank you must go to Committee members Julie Robertson and Sandra Alexander who drove the success of this event and also thanks to the whole committee who were brave enough to have faith in our Scottish weather and charter the iconic Waverley. We were rewarded with the perfect weather and the perfect event!

“Thank you too to our amazingly generous sponsors; 3b Cranes, AT Best Handlers, Burnside Plant Hire, CSS Recruitment Endrick Engineering, Eurofab Fabrication, Forth Valley Concrete, FSHV &  KT Montgomery Plant Hire. 

“These collective efforts ensure that we can continue to provide a vital lifeline to construction workers and their families and continue to grow our charitable services to support all of our construction community.”

Lighthouse Scotland West’s 60th Anniversary celebrations will continue later in the year at their prestigious Annual Dinner on Friday 21st November.  This event promises an exquisite night of fine dining and networking opportunities along with another opportunity to see ‘Dignity’ up close and personal as they perform at the event. Find out more and book your place now.

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