At the start of the year, we announced that our aim was to get the Maid "In Steam for 2013". We are working hard to keep the Scottish Government and many public bodies in touch with our progress. An initiative has been launched to approach key individuals and companies to ask them to pledge assistance, either with funding, or with materials, equipment, or expertise.

Applications to a variety of funding options are being considered, and already we have achieved success with West Dunbartonshire Council's Tourism Small Grant Scheme where we were given a grant of £2,000 in January for improving signage. Also in January, we were awarded the services of a business advisor for eight days to help us with a financial business plan that would assist us in our aim of raising the £3.3M necessary to get the Maid sailing again.

Our targets for this year for the Maid are:

• Complete refurbishment of the shop and display area on the promenade deck. We hope to have seating and teas/coffee available - completed, June
• Gutting the galley: the galley will be stripped out; given a professional deep clean; redecorated; new LPG, electricity and water services; and new extract canopy with grease filters fitted - all works complete except canopy
• Fire Safety improvements are underway: a new fire detection and alarm system has been installed, complete with a new control box. New audio alarms have been fitted. New fire doors are being made and fitted to the starboard aft exit - all works completed by July
• Leaks from the windows in the Mickel Saloon on the promenade deck will be investigated. The windows will each have to be removed, the frames prepped, sealant applied, and the windows then replaced - completed in August
• Reconstruct the port landing platform (if funding allows). The original landing platforms were removed in 1998 when the new steel promenade deck was fitted. We still have the original fittings (railings, lights, and steps), but new steelwork is needed, and new decking is required - deferred until funding available

Follow the progress with each of these projects in the photo section!

Over a dozen events took place on board this year; seven music gigs were held throughout the summer (mainly disco-type events), and we have several weddings and dinners booked. Why not have your event on board?

2008 was our best year so far: We secured MCA approval for the maid to sail again. An independent economic study demonstrated that an operational Maid would be viable; and we put two new aluminium masts on the ship. We also completed the renovation of the engine room with new lighting, and the complete refurbishment of the lower bar. Photos of both achievments are on the ‘Restoration’ page. This year’s targets include concluding our plans for a public appeal for funds to get the Maid sailing again, adaptation of the Balloch Steam Slipway to take private boats out of the water for overhaul, renovation of the ship’s old crew accomodation, and painting the hull from bow to stern.