THE organisation trying to re-start the career of the last paddle steamer built in Britain, PS Maid of the Loch, is appealing for volunteers to throw them a lifeline as they set sail on Loch Lomond once again.

Some 65 years after she was launched as the largest inland waterway vessel ever built in Britain, the Maid is set to resume sailing on Loch Lomond where she carried thousands of passengers during a 29-year career.

Constructed by A &J Inglis at their yard on the Clyde in Glasgow, PS Maid of the Loch weighed 555 tonnes and was 208ft long when she was dismantled and the various parts taken by train to Balloch where she was reassembled on a purpose-built slipway in 1953.

Initially, she took passengers right to the north end of the loch at Ardlui and stopped at piers such as Luss, Inversnaid and Balmaha. Some of the loch’s piers fell into a state of disrepair and latterly her last call was at Inversnaid.

Originally painted white with a buff funnel, Maid of the Loch is now resplendent in white, black and red as she sits at Balloch Pier at the southernmost point of the loch, which is the largest area of freshwater – measured by surface area as Loch Ness has more volume – on the island of Great Britain.

The call for volunteers comes as the ship enters the final stages of a 22-year fundraising campaign. Those who sign up will have a unique opportunity to be part of British steamship history as it sails on another ‘Maiden Voyage’ after 38 years out of commission.

Volunteers will be offered a host of opportunities, including the chance to become tour guides, shop assistants or events and promotional staff. Full training will be provided, and all will help protect and care for the historic attraction as it prepares to return to a fully functional steamship.

With an expected footfall of up to 95,000 visitors each year once operational, the volunteering roles will see those involved enjoy the most scenic of locations, whilst sharing their own personal stories and heritage with sightseers from all around the world.

The Maid is currently moored as a static tourist attraction at Balloch where her condition had deteriorated after she was taken out of service in 1981.

The then Dumbarton District Council acquired her to save her from destruction in 1992, and she was taken on by a group of dedicated volunteers from charity Loch Lomond Steamship Company in 1996. They have since been working tirelessly to transform and restore the ship.

Through a number of fundraising efforts over the past 22 years, they have almost reached their target of £5.5 million which should allow the Maid to sail again.

John Beveridge, director of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, said: “As the demand for Maid of the Loch continues to grow and with her anticipated return next year, we now need to look ahead and call upon those with a passion and desire of protecting something as special as the Maid to help us out.

“Volunteers are the backbone of this whole project, without whom the Maid would be consigned to the history books. It’s a truly unique opportunity for anyone looking to be a part of Scottish history to share their enthusiasm and commitment with us.

“I myself have been involved with the Maid for over 20 years as a volunteer and every day is extremely rewarding as we get her ready to sail once again.”

No prior experience is required to volunteer as all necessary training will be provided. However, all volunteers must be aged 18 and over. To register your interest in this exciting project and to help the Maid again, please call 01389 711 865 or email the team at mail@maidoftheloch.org.