PADDLE Steamer Contract Awarded To Greenock Yard

A GREENOCK ship repair yard has won the contract for repairs to the hull of historic paddle steamer Maid of the Loch.

Loch Lomond Steamship Company has appointed Dales Marine to carry out the specialist welding elements of the work.

Most of the repairs centre on the keel block and sections to either side in the boiler room area of the vessel which is currently on the slipway near Balloch Pier, Loch Lomond. Other smaller repairs are required near the bow, a result of abrasion in shallow water.

Loch Lomond Steamship Company (LLSC) said it recognised “the sterling work” that Dales Marine has done on Paddle Steamer Waverley.

Iain Robertson, director and chairman said: “Without a doubt this is the start of the most significant chapter in the Maid’s history since the charity saved her in 1995.

“The full repair of the hull will ensure her future for another 50 to 60 years and heralds the prospect of her sailing again on Loch Lomond.”

Andrew Malcolm, business development manager from Dales Marine, which has a yard at James Watt Dock, said: “Dales Marine is delighted to provide our technical expertise in supporting the repair of the Maid of the Loch.

“We look forward to working with LLSC and their team of volunteers with this vital work to save such a historic vessel.”

If further fundraising proves successful then, while the ship is on the slipway, the intention is also to undertake refurbishment of the paddle wheels which are in very poor condition.

Painting the vessel in her unique light hull colour with buff funnel and green boot topping is also on the worklist.