Loch Lomond's Paddle Steamer Appeal
The Maid of the Loch was launched in March 1953, the last in a long line of paddle steamers and Britain's largest ever inland waterway vessel. Now her 60th year is celebrated by the launching of an appeal to get her boiler fired and under steam again.
Sadly decommissioned in September 1981 after her final cruises, the Maid sat languishing at Balloch Pier for many years and numerous fittings were robbed. A group of local enthusiasts refused to accept that her sailing days were over. They founded the Loch Lomond Steamship Co as a charitable organisation in 1995 with the support of Dumbarton District Council. Since then many hours of voluntary work have gone into restoration of both the vessel's structure and the slipway and winchhouse to allow her to be taken out of the water for attention to the hull. The magnificent two-cylinder diagonal steam engine now awaits just the installation of a new boiler to bring her back to life.
The MCA has given approval in principle for the Maid's return to passenger service. A final push for funds holds out the promise of a return to steam later this year and cruising on the loch in 2014. For further information and to donate see the LLSC website.