The Bare Essentials

The team at Scottish and Southern Energy has made very good progress stripping the boat down to the very bare essentials.

Windows, wall and ceiling panels, flooring and seating have now been completely removed revealing the innermost structure of the boat to allow inspection by the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Surveyor. As the boat will be carrying passengers she will also need to be inspected regularly from when the refit begins and then continuously throughout the whole process. The MCA is responsible for licensing river and canal passenger craft in England and Wales.

New Trust president Lord German, accompanied by Lady German, has been taking an active interest in this exciting new project and was clearly impressed by how much had been done to make the boat ready for restoration.

Photograph of Lord & Lady German by Wyn Mitchell

What Needs To Be Done First?

Before work can begin on the restoration of the boat she will need to be completely emptied so that a thorough inspection can take place. There's a lot to do - including the removal of the kitchen sink!

One of the most impressive aspects of the work of Scottish and Southern Energy is the attention to detail, especially health and safety - nothing is left to chance. In the photograph below work is beginning on the construction of stairway to replace access by a ladder.

Everything will have to be taken out including the flooring, the ceiling and the electrics.