THE historic Maid of the Loch paddle steamer will be lifted out of the waters of Loch Lomond next month thanks to confirmation of a £1 million funding package for the ship's restoration.

The operation will allow for a vital check of the ship's hull as part of plans to return her to steam for the first time since 1981.

The work has been made possible by the award of £950,000 from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grants Fund and further support of £50,000 from the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.

The cash injection offers new hope to the dream of restoring the vessel after the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) turned down the Maid's £3.64 million funding application in September.

As well as repairs to the hull, work to be carried out on the ship in 2019 includes the creation of an education facility on board, refurbishing the main function suite, and overhauling the engines to enable them to turn with steam.

John Beveridge, chairman of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, the charity overseeing the restoration project, said: “This is a huge boost to the project and will transform the Maid’s attraction to visitors. After the shock of HLF rejecting our bid, this gives the charity real hope to continue with our efforts.

“Our next step will see the ship brought out of the water in January onto the Balloch Steam Slipway to allow us to carry out an essential ultrasound test of the entire hull to check its condition.

"Any repairs will then be carried out, including replacing the ship’s port side belting, the wooden fender that protects the hull at the pier.

"Slipping the ship will be a “must-see” spectacle and a major undertaking for us all. It will be the first time any work has been done on the hull since 1981, so there is great excitement among our volunteers who can’t wait to help”.

The biggest transformation to the ship next year will see the engines turning under steam power. Work will include having the engines professionally overhauled, new pipework installed, and a mobile boiler plant sited on the pier producing enough steam to allow the paddles to turn.

Mr Beveridge added: “Everyone who has visited the Maid over the years has said we must get this beautiful ship sailing again.

"Getting her in steam and with her paddles turning again is the next best thing, and we anticipate great interest next year as people come to watch her majestic engines moving for the first time in 37 years.”