The Legacy of Balmoral

The famous paddle steamer Balmoral of 1900 was built by Samuel McKnight & Co of Ayr, coming in at some 236 feet in length. She had enjoyed a splendid reputation as a cross-channel, and coastal excursion ship, operating for Southampton’s Red Funnel co.

During her career, she was requisitioned by the Admiralty on two occasions. Serving in both World Wars, initially as a troop transport ship, then as a minesweeper, she went on to become an accommodation ship on the Clyde. Sadly, after World War II, she was returned to Red Funnel in an incredibly poor condition.

So bad was the state of the vessel that in January 1947, the company had to question whether it was still financially viable, let alone economical to repair the ship to be pressed back into passenger service.

So bad was the state of the vessel that in January 1947, the company had to question whether it was still financially viable, let alone economical to repair the ship to be pressed back into passenger service.

Despite a large appetite within the company to invest in her, the financial situation at the time was difficult. Despite capital from the Government for her war service, a decision was reached that she was in no longer viable to be reconditioned, and a replacement would be needed.

Initially, thought was given to a direct replacement in the form of a fast and powerful diesel ship – purely for excursion work. However, harsh economic realities dictated a compromise, and a new motor vessel needed to be designed with dual capabilities. Specifically, it needed to be both a car ferry and an excursion ship. As such, a small car deck aft must be versatile enough to convert into a suntrap of deckchairs in the latter role.

It was decided to approach J. I. Thornycroft & Co. Ltd for the specification of a new ship, which was to become Yard No. 4120. Agreeably, the vessel would be named after her namesake predecessor, Balmoral.