A new campaign dedicated to restoring the paddles of the Maid of the Loch is being launched this week.
The historic Loch Lomond paddle steamer needs public support to raise funds for essential materials and equipment required to restore both port and starboard paddles.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched with a target of £25,000, which will help to buy new paddle floats, bearings and bushes.
The interior of the paddle boxes would be painted, while the jenny nettles, which make the paddles feather resulting in more efficient propulsion, would be refurbished.
Maid of the Loch Paddles Crowdfunder Video from Paul Saunders Marketing on Vimeo.
Replacement of the spring beams and the addition of ending/paddle turning gear are also required.Jim Mitchell, industrial heritage director for the charity restoring the steamer at Balloch, 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.”
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 hoped to keep the costs at a much more manageable level.
The Clyde-built Maid is already a much- loved feature on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, attracting 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 hopes 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 public support for the paddle refurbishment is shown.
All those who contribute to the appeal will be given exclusive access to a new online virtual tour of the entire ship.
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