Just got back from Scotland (9.0pm) after having spent several hours on the Maid. Work is coming on steadily and she is looking pretty good. Since news of the Lottery grant, work has started on cutting away several years of undergrowth on and around the slipway so that an accurate survey of the repair work can be done. This is agood omen. It looks like she could be slipped and work completed some time next year ready to go back into service. Apparently she will not be sporting her old livery of a white hull and yellow funnel as these require too much maintainance, but will have a black hull with white upperworks and a red funnel with a black cap. (Much as she is now). A pity, I liked the white hull. Restoration of the bridge structure and skippers cabin is almost complete, though none of the fittings are in place. I took a few more photos of her, which will be posted when I can get them printed. By the way, I went into the office for a chat, and guess what, spread out on the desk was a sheet of 48th scale plans, so I have started a charm offensive, so lets see what transpires! Regards, Walter.

That's great news Walter - One of these days I'll actually get around to taking a trip on the Maid of the Loch.