The Loch Lomond Steamship Company is entering an exciting phase of the Maid of the Loch's restoration, with volunteers aiming to prepare the historic paddle steamer for relaunch next year and return it to its berth at Balloch pier.
Hull Work and Painting Underway
Over the coming months, old paint will be stripped back to bare metal, after which the hull will be coated in the light colour for which the ship was renowned. The funnel has already been repainted in its original buff colour, restoring the vessel's classic appearance.
A spokesperson for the company stated: “We’re very grateful to a number of our industry partners who have provided equipment to do the hull work but starting from just £15 we need the public to help by sponsoring materials – 300 bags of blasting abrasive and 350 litres of paint are required.”
Paddle Reinstallation and Hull Repairs
The paddles are currently being reinstalled, with the starboard paddle virtually complete and work now underway on the port side. The entire steel hull under the boiler room has been renewed, and volunteers are completing repairs on other smaller areas of hull deterioration.
The public can support the restoration by visiting the Maid of the Loch website and following the link to the Maid Makeover campaign. Donations start from £15 to sponsor materials.
Historic Significance
Paddle Steamer Maid of the Loch is one of the UK’s historic fleet of ships. She was the last paddle steamer built in Britain, constructed at A & J Inglis shipyard on the River Clyde at Partick. Her hull was fabricated and bolted together there, then dismantled and transported to Balloch on railway wagons, where she was reassembled on the slipway. She was launched into Loch Lomond in 1953 using machinery housed in the Historic Steam Winch house, which dates from 1902.
The ship served as an important part of Loch Lomond recreation and transport from 1953 until 1981, when her then-owners deemed her no longer viable. After a succession of owners, she was purchased by Dumbarton District Council in 1991, by which time she was nearly sunk and stripped of vital parts. Volunteers gained control of her in 1995 and began the long restoration journey.
Future Plans
This current stage of restoration aims to return the Maid of the Loch to the pier from the repaired slipway, with a fully repaired hull, refurbished paddles, and a blasted and coated hull, restoring her appearance to her former glory. She will then become a static attraction at the pier, which has been missing over the last few years, and a more attractive proposition for further funding.
The work is being assisted by GAP Hire Solutions, Mackay’s Boat Builders, the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, Applied Concepts, and Airblast Products. Publicity partners are Paul Saunders Marketing and JJR Print Ltd.
