120yr old 430 tonne Maid of the Loch hauled out of Loch Lomond for restoration work
Paddle steamer, Maid of the Loch, was today hauled out of the waters of Loch Lomond during an historic slipping to carry out significant restoration works.
Article Source: Maid of the Loch
Last Updated: 14 July 2021 16:11
The slipping saw the 191-foot-long, 430-tonne paddle steamer hauled out of the water by the original steam powered winch in its A-listed winch house and onto the 120-year old Balloch Slipway. Now on the slipway, urgent repairs to replace steel beneath the boiler room will be carried out following a full ultrasound survey of the hull, which will provide a definitive report on its current condition. Funding permitting, a refurbishment of the starboard paddle box will also be carried out before the ship is repainted in her original ‘white goddess’ colour scheme, with yellow funnel and green waterline.
The operation follows more than two years of planning following an unsuccessful winching operation in January 2019 which saw the original carriage of the Category A listed slipway fail and the ship slip back into the water.
A new specially built articulated carriage incorporating many components from the 1901 original has since been designed by structural engineers David Narro Associates, and a dedicated team of volunteers, led by project manager and engineering director Jim Mitchell, have spent more than 40 weeks clearing away the old structure, building the new one along with the installation of a new 100 tonne haulage rope. The project has been funded by Historic Environment Scotland and the Architectural Heritage Fund.
Iain Robertson, Chairman of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, said: “The ship will dwarf everything around her, and the ingenuity behind pulling a 430-tonne paddle steamer out of the water really is a must-see spectacle. This is a momentous occasion and we are confident that the new carriage will deliver a successful operation and a huge step forward in the ship’s restoration.
“As a charity run by volunteers, we are incredibly humbled that we are able to slip the ship with this new and improved equipment, which wouldn’t be possible without the many generous donations and hard-working volunteers. Everyone involved has worked tirelessly to build the new carriage and we’re hugely excited to see the ship out the water for only the second time in 40 years.”
The procedure is expected to take up to four hours to complete, and it is hoped the subsequent work will ensure the Maid – which carried her first load of passengers on Loch Lomond 68 years ago – will then be in sound condition to continue her journey towards sailing on Loch Lomond once again.
Once on the slipway, a programme of activities will take place throughout the summer, including creative and industrial craft events and workshops for visitors. Ship on the Slip also plan to offer specially guided hard hat tours aboard the paddle steamer, as well as events to celebrate the opening of the new Visitor Centre, which explores the themes and stories from the golden age of shipbuilding.
Image Credit: Jamie Simpson
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition
One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow
Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!
READ MORE
Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city
An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.
READ MORE
Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.
READ MORE
Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow
The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative
Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026
The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.
READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.
READ MORE
90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls
Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.
READ MORE
Popular lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas opens at Silverburn
Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has welcomed much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer Oliver Bonas.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year
Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.
READ MORE
Sean Batty joins Glasgow businesses to champion choose local at Christmas cry
STV presenter visits Glasgow West End's Business Improvement District to highlight the vital role that local people can play in the the final festive push.
READ MORE
Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value
See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity announces amazing total for Glasgow Santa Dash 2025
Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that the Glasgow Santa Dash 2025 has raised more than £100,000 to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.
READ MORE
University of Glasgow launches first Virtual Reality kiosk for Museums in the Metaverse
Imagine visiting a museum and being transported inside the glass cases, to virtually examine artefacts at astonishing proximity and from every possible angle. This is now reality.
READ MORE
Jock and the Beanstalk panto stars support Social Bite Festival of Kindness
Pavilion Panto stars headed to Social Bite's Festival of Kindness on Vinicombe Street to encourage Glaswegians to donate gifts and funds to support people experiencing homelessness this winter.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Full casting announced for Scottish premiere of Single White Female at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
Full casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the Scottish premiere of Single White Female coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in June!
READ MORE
Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Glasgow
With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!
READ MORE
A sweet partnership bringing locally produced, sustainable ice cream to the SEC in time for a packed winter events season
Equi’s Ice Cream, the award-winning Scottish, family-run ice cream maker, is announcing a major new partnership as the official ice cream supplier of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Teenage Cancer Trust units in Glasgow receive festive surprise from Aldi
Young people receiving cancer treatment in Glasgow have been treated to a surprise delivery of festive goodies from Aldi, helping them celebrate the holiday season away from home.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links