Historic steamship will soon be hitting the water as restoration continues

Good progress is being made with the restoration of the 122-year-old Sir Walter Scott Steamship at Loch Katrine.

The recent installation of two new boilers and completion of the installation of replacement timber decking by specialist boatbuilders marks a major milestone for the £500,000 restoration programme.

The programmes is being led by the charitable trust responsible for protecting the unique and historic steamship for the nation.

The recent installation of two new boilers and completion of the installation of replacement timber decking by specialist boatbuilders marks a major milestone for the £500,000 restoration programme (Paul Saunders)

Gordon Allan, managing director of the Sir Walter Scott Steamship, who has been leading the restoration programme, said: “Over the past couple of months we have taken a huge step forward with the steamship restoration works.

Gordon Allan, managing director of the Sir Walter Scott Steamship, who has been leading the restoration programme (Paul Saunders)

“With the installation of replacement boilers, new decking, and hull re-painting, the iconic steamship is currently on schedule to resume service, carrying passengers on Loch Katrine this autumn.”

The boat is a well-loved Stirlingshire attraction (Paul Saunders)

To get to this stage, the charity has had to secure public donations and grants with its SOS ‘Save our Steamship’ appeal which is still open for donations on-site at Loch Katrine and via the website www.saveoursteamship.com.