Paddle Steamer Maid of the Loch is now open every day through to October from 10am – 5pm with free admission and car parking.

The Tearoom on board is also open everyday from 10am – 5pm serving freshly made sandwiches, hot paninis, toasties, home baked cakes and a selection of teas and coffees. The Tearoom has a range of exclusive Maid of the Loch souvenirs including postcards, mugs, tea towels, and books . Afternoon tea is also available by advance booking (07921 859776) which includes sandwiches, scones, a selection of home baked cakes and tea or coffee. In addition to the tearoom there will be Unicorn Tea Parties throughout the summer which are proving popular.

The wide section of home-made cakes including tray bakes, loaf slices and sponge cakes on display in the Tearoom on Maid of the Loch.

The Tearoom on Maid of the Loch which is situated in the forward deck shelter.

Throughout the summer there will be guided tours, teddy trails and various music events being held on board to help support the aim of returning the ship to steam on Loch Lomond.

There are “In Steam” days at the steam slipway adjacent to the Maid every Saturday and Sunday from June until the end of September. Visitors can see the steam engine and gearing system in operation; try the interactive displays; or watch the audio visuals describe how the slipway pulls vessels out of the loch.

Flagship of Sweeney’s Cruise Co – Silver Dolphin – on the Balloch Steam Slipway on Friday 13th April 2018.

On the lower deck there is an education suite (part funded by the PSPS Scottish Branch) with displays showing how the Maid was transported in parts from Glasgow and assembled on the slipway before entering service in 1953. There are also various models on display including a large model of the Maid in a glass cabinet. The ship is also available for private functions and events.

The lower deck education suite where there is much to view depicting the Maid’s building, her career on the Loch and more recent restoration.

The large model of Maid of the Loch on display in the lower deck education suite.

The paddlebox detail on the large model of the Maid.

Maid of the Loch’s engine patiently awaiting steam to turn the paddles once again.

Since the mid 1990s the PSPS has supported Maid of the Loch and recently pledged a further £50,000 to help ensure she returns to passenger service on Loch Lomond. Read the previous posting about PSPS support here.