18th Apr 2011 / 9:59am
MAID OF THE LOCH, Loch Lomond's Paddle Steamer, is re-opening to the public at Easter. On Friday 22nd, through to Monday 25th March, the ship will be open from 11am to 4pm each day, with free admission and car parking. The historic Balloch Steam Slipway will be "In Steam" for the four days, too.
"The Maid and winchhouse will open to the public for the first time this year", said John Beveridge, Director of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, the charity that owns the Maid. "We have spent the winter refurbishing the shop and local history display area, so that visitors will have an improved experience on the Maid", he added.
The new feature has been given seating for the first time, with tea, coffee & cakes available. The saloon on the promenade deck has been re-wired, redecorated, has new lighting, and an impressive audio visual facility.
John promised visitors will be pleasantly surprised, saying "We have given the Maid a spring clean, and are making good progress in her refurbishment. We invite everyone to come aboard see for themselves the improvements our dedicated volunteers are making".
The charity's volunteer engineers will be on hand to demonstrate and explain the workings of the 1902 winchhouse engine and gearing system that can haul the Maid out of the water. Children can blow the steam whistle, and try their hand at the interactive displays.