Maid in the mist

The last major paddle steamer to be built in Britain, she was built on the Clyde in 1953 then dismantled and transported by railway for re-assembly at Balloch. With a passenger capacity of 1000 she continued a tradition of Loch Lomond steamers that stretched back to 1818, until her last commercial sailing in 1985.
She gradually deteriorated at Balloch Pier until the local council bought her in 1992; in 1995 ownership was transferred to the newly formed Loch Lomond Steamship Company with an aim of restoring and bringing her back into service.
Since 2000 she has operated as a static attraction in the summer months, with a café and function suite, while restoration progresses.
In August this year the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £3.8M of funding, adding to the £1.9M already raised.
It is anticipated that the Maid Of The Loch will sail again in 2018.