A party was held this week to mark the 70th anniversary of the celebrated Loch Lomond paddle steamer Maid of the Loch.
Friends, supporters and volunteers joined the directors of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company on Monday to toast 70 years since Maid of the Loch was launched from Balloch pier in 1953.
The event included a presentation of talks and sharing great stories and memories from over the decades.
Attendees ended the occasion by raising their glasses for a toast after the birthday cake was cut by two of the longest serving volunteers – Hamish Teaze and Charles Inglis.
Built on the Clyde by A & J Inglis the Maid had been serving day trippers on Loch Lomond for decades.
Mothballed in 1981 as passenger numbers dwindled, the Maid fell into disrepair and cut a sorry sight in Loch Lomond near Balloch as she was targeted by vandals.
The Loch Lomond Steamship Company have worked for more than 25 years on a £5.5million project to restore her to her former glory.
A restoration project is underway, and a team of dedicated volunteers aims to get the boat sailing again once more.
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The restoration process took a huge step forward in 2020 when the charity secured a substantial grant to rebuild the broken carriage in order to slip the ship successfully.
Thanks to the group of 50 or so volunteers who contribute many thousands of hours to the continuing restoration of the Maid, the vision to restore the paddle steamer to her former glory is now firmly in sight.
Chairman, Iain Robertson said: “Today is a tribute to all the volunteers past and present who have contributed to saving and restoring Paddle Steamer Maid of the Loch.
“The wonderful memories shared today reinforce the importance of preserving her unique heritage for future generations and we look forward to the day when she sails again on Loch Lomond.”
Maid of the Loch, which is currently undergoing restoration on the Balloch slipway, will be open to the public every weekend from Easter until late October.
A 1950s themed event is being planned for May.
While the ship is out of the water, the charity, LLSC, aims to repair the hull plating, refurbish the paddlewheels, and recoat the hull and funnel in the original white, green and buff colours.
The work is being undertaken, exclusively, by a dedicated crew of volunteers who bring a variety of skills to the task.
The aim is to return the ship to full operation on Loch Lomond.
‘The Ship on the Slip’ attraction opens to the public every weekend from Saturday April 8, 2023. Hard hat tours can be booked in advance on: 07484918659.
