Maid of the Loch, the last paddle steamer built in Britain, re-opened at Balloch Pier last Friday and ran its traditional egg hunt over the Easter weekend.

Thanks to a £950,000 cash injection from The Scottish Government, the tearoom opened its newly refurbished doors also, and guided tours of the ship and neighbouring Balloch Steam Slipway were on offer.

While the refurbishment is still ‘work in progress’, visitors were able to hear first-hand how the historic vessel is being renovated to restore it close to the original 1950s style.

Work includes the refurbished promenade aft deck saloon, set for completion end of June, which will serve a dual purpose as an education facility for school visits and as a small function/event suite.

Further renovation includes The Queens’ Lounge at the stern, currently undergoing significant strengthening and upgrading works to make it fit for purpose for larger events.

A lift will also be fitted to provide assistance between decks.

A major feature will be to get her steam engines turning over slowly by the end of June.

New pipework is being manufactured and will be fitted next month.

Read more: Watch incredible Maid of the Loch extended drone footage

John Beveridge, chairman of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company said: “Work is very much still ongoing and will continue until June/July time, however there are areas that can be enjoyed by visitors and we are thrilled to be able to open in time for Easter and host our traditional egg hunt.

“We can’t wait to welcome children, families and enthusiasts back on board this year and for them to get a glimpse of the Maid’s former glory.”

From Easter weekend, Maid of the Loch will open every day until the end of October.

Opening hours and any closures due to works on the ship will be publicised on the website maidoftheloch.org, as well as on social media channels.

At the start of the year, workers had to flee to safety after the steamer broke free as it was being winched out of the loch.

The 65-year-old ship was being taken from the water ahead of restoration work when it slipped its ties.

Members of the restoration team were forced to run from the side of the vessel as it slid back into the water.

Thankfully no one was injured, but it did put restoration plans back a little as the cause of the slip was investigated to ensure nothing like that could happen again.

The team behind the restoration project want to see the majestic paddle steamer once again sailing passengers across Loch Lomond.

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