historic environment scotland - supporting mission progress
GREAT NEWS! We’re absolutely delighted to tell you that Historic Environment Scotland has awarded us £94,108 towards the repair and replacement of the Balloch Steam slipway and carriage. As the only surviving operational steam slipway in Europe it is an important listed structure. It is also, of course, absolutely key to the survival of the Maid as slipping her is essential for repairs and restoration work to be carried out. Photo 7 shows the Maid on the slip on a previous occasion.
A few dedicated volunteers have done amazing work to salvage bogies and other historic metalwork from the original carriage and work has now commenced on building the new more robust one. Note the difference between the old tow hitch and the new one.
Our Heritage Engineer, Jim Mitchell, has been our champion in leading the project and we’re extremely grateful for all his efforts to first secure the funds and then to organise the work of reconstruction. Photo 2 shows Jim Logan and George Gerc, our lead volunteers on the slipway project.
We’ll update you regularly with more detail here on the slipway project including news of other sponsors and supporters. Once travel restrictions are eased you’ll be able to view progress from the pier.
