IT is the last paddle steamer built on the Clyde and will this year celebrate 80 years since it was launched.

But the PS Waverley, the only sea-going one of its kind in the world still carrying passengers, showed there is plenty life left in the historic vessel when it steamed over to help passengers stranded on a broken down CalMac ferry half its age.

Some 42 people on board the MV lsle of Mull were stranded in Craignure, on the Argyll and Bute island, after it developed a fault on Tuesday.

However, when the crew of the paddle steamer, which was on its way back from its final Oban and the Inner Hebrides sailing, learned of the issue they offered to help.

A spokesman for the Waverley told West Coast Today: ‘Given Waverley was heading down the Sound of Mull from Tobermory and Salen bound for Oban, we contacted CalMac and made the offer that Waverley could call in at Craignure and pick up any foot passengers remaining.

‘Waverley then made the call at Craignure around 7pm and picked up 42 passengers and returned them to Oban. We were happy to be able to offer this at no cost given the support CalMac has shown towards Waverley over many years.’

The Isle of Mull was launched in December 1987 and sailed its maiden voyage the following April.

It is almost exactly half the age of the Waverley, which was launched in October 1946.

The Isle of Mull is the latest of CalMac’s ageing fleet to develop issues with the ferry operator admitting it has faced ‘unprecedented’ pressures this year to service island communities amid breakdowns and scheduled maintenance work.

Last night the ferry operator said it would not comment but a service update on its website said there were further sailings cancelled yesterday (Wed) ‘due the ongoing technical issue with MV Isle of Mull’.

It added ‘day trips are not advised’.

Meanwhile, the MV Isle of Lewis has broken down again – just days after returning to service following a near four-month absence.