Our previous visit came only a short time before it's last voyage on 30th August 1981. The Maid had been loosing money at fast rate. Not suprising, as we had been the only people eating in the vast forward dining saloon. For all it's white table cloths, silver table service and cheap package meal and boat ticket, she was virtually deserted, everyone was going abroad that summer! After having been sold off, she was allowed to rot on Balloch Pier. Forward to December 4th 1993, when she was aquired by Dumbarton District Council.
The timetable for restoration published in the original 2000 guide booklet, has slipped a bit. The first 2 phases of the resoration, were completed in 2000, included a new steel promenade deck, replacing the rotten wooden original, as well as repair and improvement to the pier and the provision of car parking.
Access to Heritage Lottery Funds, has helped fund the restoration of the slipway, an essential first step to full restoration.
The engine has been cleaned up and looks in good condition, but this can only be tested under power, which still looks some time off, the optomistic 2003 timetable published in 2000.
