TOPPING OUT CEREMONY!

Our dedicated volunteers and staff recently celebrated completion of the new carriageway when the final (golden!) bolt was fixed to the brand new slipway structure, lubricated with a generous measure of Balmaha whisky for good luck by our oldest volunteer, David Dunnachie who is now a spritely 90 years old.

It was the culmination of the build project which involved the volunteer crew over 40 weeks and will allow the ship to be slipped for essential maintenance and hull repair this summer. The Ship on the Slip will be a real visual treat for all visitors and our planned programme will give a whole new summer experience at the Maid, celebrating her fascinating history and the promise of things to come for this unique paddle steamer as she undergoes her hull restoration process.

The ceremony was made even more special when the dedicated volunteers involved in building the new carriage were pleasantly surprised to see a commemorative plaque fixed to the carriage showing appreciation for their 10 months of hard work. Individual plaques made from timber rescued from the original teak decks of the ship also provided a valued memento for the four volunteers who formed the core of the build crew.

Jim Mitchell, Project Manager & Engineering Director of Maid of the Loch, said ‘’We are delighted to achieve this milestone on the road to the full restoration of the ship. Without the slipway, the project could never succeed.”

Jim Logan Volunteer site supervisor, ‘’We are very proud to have been involved in this unique project and look forward to seeing the ship on the slipway for her vital repairs. I think a few drams are in order!”

Grateful thanks to our main funders - Historic Environment Scotland The Architectural Heritage Fund Wolfson Foundation

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