A new campaign dedicated to restoring the paddles of the much-loved Loch Lomond paddle steamer Maid of the Loch is being launched today (Friday).
The vessel needs public support to raise funds for purchasing essential materials and equipment required to restore both port and starboard paddles.
The monies raised with help procure new paddle floats, bearings and bushes as well as overhaul of the jenny nettles structure and painting of the interior of the paddle boxes.
The ‘jenny nettles’ is the arrangement that makes the paddles feather resulting in more efficient propulsion.
On the port side this is misaligned and requires significant refurbishment.
Replacement of the spring beams and the addition of ending/paddle turning gear are also required and are included in the restoration campaign aspirations.
The current slipping will probably be of the longest duration on the journey to the ship sailing, so it is vital that the paddle work should be done now.
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Repairing the paddles is one of the most challenging jobs of the restoration process, however since most of the work is being undertaken by the dedicated team of volunteers involved at the ship it is possible to keep the costs at a much more manageable level.
Industrial heritage director Jim Mitchell said: “These funds will allow us to take the paddles to ‘as-new’ condition.
“The plan is for the ship to be returned to the loch with all underwater work completed.
“This, along with the hull work will be a major leap forward towards the Maid sailing once more.”
The Clyde-built ship was launched in 1953 on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Over the last 25 years, a loyal band of volunteers has focused every available hour on her recovery and conservation.
With public support the Loch Lomond Steamship charity hope to safely steer the Maid to a new phase of her life, relaunching her as a fully operational paddle steamer on Loch Lomond.
A benefactor has pledged £15,000 if the charity can show public support for the paddle refurbishment.
All those who contribute to the appeal will be given exclusive access to a new online virtual tour of the entire ship.
A Crowdfunder campaign link and video is at: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/maid-of-the-loch---paddle-restoration-campaign
Donations to return the Maid to sailing can also be made through the website, www.maidoftheloch.org/donate.
