TS Queen Mary to set sail once again

City of Glasgow College Principal and maritime cadets attend visit by HRH The Princess Royal to announce the iconic and much-loved steamer TS Queen Mary will sail on the Clyde once again.

The Princess Royal made the announcement during a visit to Pacific Quay where the ship is undergoing careful restoration.

The announcement reflects a change of plan by the charity Friends of TS Queen Mary – tasked with its restoration - which says it has been “overwhelmed by the generosity of corporate donors and individuals” keen to see the ship restored to its former glory.

It is hoped TS Queen Mary will be back in-service offering Clyde cruises by the summer of 2024. Originally, it was planned to be permanently berthed at Pacific Quay next to Glasgow Science Centre and have a heritage and maritime training focus, while connecting Glasgow and its citizens to a ship which sailed from Bridge Wharf opposite the Broomielaw and was known affectionately as “the Glasgow boat”.

Now it has been decided it will sail again on the Clyde, supporting the post-pandemic recovery and providing a boost to Scotland’s tourism generally and notably Clyde coast resorts such as Rothesay and Dunoon which were familiar destinations.

Strong links have been forged between City of Glasgow College and TS Queen Mary with maritime cadets, and events and hospitality students, involved in the restoration process. These strong ties have enabled the creation of the TS Queen Mary Skills & Training Academy.

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College, said:

“TS Queen Mary represents an important part of Glasgow’s maritime history and our students are very much part of that heritage, with over 300 having played a role in the vessel’s restoration. 

“Establishing the TS Queen Mary Skills and Training Academy will provide our hospitality and culinary students along with deck officers and engineering students with an outstanding ‘real-world’ learning environment in what is the UK’s first cadet ship for decades.

“We have seen the adverse impact the pandemic has had on the vital industries of hospitality and tourism, so this impressive restoration – coupled with its innovative training provision – is more timely than ever in supporting and accelerating recovery in those sectors.” 

Iain Sim, Chairman of the Friends of Queen Mary said the announcement that TS Queen Mary will resume luxurious Clyde cruising once again after 47 years was a “landmark day” in the proud history of a beloved ship.

He added: “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.

“Thanks to the backing of our wonderful supporters – both individual and corporate and those whose hard work is defining this restoration – TS Queen Mary will set sail once again. And while her incredible history can only be understood looking backwards, her legacy must be lived looking forward.”