Displaying items by tag: to return service
Scottish Turbine Steamer TS Queen Mary to Make Surprise Return to Firth of Clyde With Excursion Cruises
The veteran vessel turbine steamer, TS Queen Mary will once again sail on the Clyde, Scotland, according to the National Historic Ship UK, as it is hoped to be in service offering cruises by the summer of 2024
UK royal family member, Princess Anne made the announcement during a visit to Pacific Quay in Glasgow, three years to the day since she became the ship's Royal Patron.
The announcement reflects a change of plan by the Friends of TS Queen Mary (charity), which is tasked with its restoration. Originally, it was planned that TS Queen Mary would be permanently berthed at Pacific Quay next to Glasgow Science Centre and have a heritage and maritime training focus.
Now it has been decided that TS Queen Mary is to sail again, supporting the post-pandemic recovery and providing a boost to Scotland’s tourism and Clyde coast resorts such as Rothesay and Dunoon, which were once familiar destinations.
Since restoration work began, Friends of TS Queen Mary have raised and invested £3.8 million of cash and in-kind support in the project. Many supporters have given generously of their time and resources, and a number of celebrities also have pledged their support, including actor and author Robbie Coltrane OBE, who remains Patron of the charity.
During the restoration TS Queen Mary has forged strong links with City of Glasgow College which, among its many courses, offers Nautical Studies and Marine Engineering qualifications. Its cadets have already been making use of the vessel and will continue to do so when she sets sail again. This has enabled the creation of the TS Queen Mary Skills and Training Academy and the first UK cadet ship.
Iain Sim, Chairman of the Friends of Queen Mary, said the announcement that TS Queen Mary will resume cruising once again after 47 years was a “landmark day” in the proud history of a beloved ship.
He continued: “It is entirely fitting that this announcement should be made by HRH The Princess Royal given the strong family connection TS Queen Mary has – not just to her great grandmother Queen Mary after whom the ship is named – but to the wider Royal Family. While TS Queen Mary’s incredible history can only be understood looking backwards, her legacy must be lived looking forward.”
