Situated in Balloch in Scotland, ‘The Maid’ is the very last paddles steamer to be built in Britain – and is the UK’s only remaining example of an ‘up and doon’ vessel
A what?
A ship that has been built twice! Read on to learn more…
Assembled in Glasgow by A&J Inglis, the Maid was taken apart, transported to her new home in Balloch and reassembled before her launch in March 1953. Licensed to carry 1,000 passengers, she was the largest paddle steamer to sail Loch Lomond and played host to royal guests and celebrities as well as three million day-trippers during her 28 years on the water.
Unfortunately, she was decommissioned in 1981 and suffered neglect and vandalism, until thankfully she was purchased in 1992, by Dumbarton District Council.
Then, in 1996, the Loch Lomond Steamship Company (LLSC) – a charity staffed entirely by volunteers – launched an ambitious rescue mission…
The Maid sails again!
…and I am THRILLED to announce that the money has finally been raised for the full restoration of the Maid of the Loch back to sea-worthy condition, and (apart from a small quiz night) we will be the VERY LAST EVENT held on her before she goes into dry dock for a top to toe refit! Being a history-lover to my very core, that warms my heart no end…
What event? My birthday party that this year comes in the form of a Business Abundance Thnk Tank! Seriously! https://business-abundance-2018-19.eventbrite.com/ If you want to join us, you had best get in quickly and RSVP.
She will be out of the water for repairs for quite some time, but I am looking forward to the day when we can all set sail on this beloved beauty…
You can learn more about The Maid here: http://www.maidoftheloch.org/history
~ Bella
