CONSERVATION work on the MV Kyles – one of the oldest Clyde-built vessels still afloat – has now begun, involving state-of-the-art dry ice blasting.

After smashing the target in a Crowdfunder last Autumn, the Scottish Maritime Museum has started essential conservation work on one of Britain’s most historic vessels, MV Kyles, beginning with state-of-the-art, environmentally-sensitive, dry ice blasting.

With the money raised through the Keep the Kyles Afloat Crowdfunder, the Scottish Maritime Museum was able to commission specialists Eco Dry Ice, which is based in Dumfries and Galloway, and trial the innovative new paint and debris removal technique which is also known as cryogenic blasting.

The exterior of MV Kyles, which is part of National Historic Ships UK’s fleet, has now been transformed through this economical and environmentally-friendly method.

Using dry ice pellets, which are non-abrasive and leave no residue, the team from Eco Dry Ice worked painstakingly for a week on MV Kyles, which currently sits on Irvine Harbourside after being lifted out of Irvine Estuary last year in advance of the works.

Now that the dry ice blasting is complete, the cleaned hull structure will be inspected to assess if any further repairs are required before repainting.

Volunteers at the museum have already repainted much of the deck, wheelhouse and funnel of MV Kyles.

Further conservation, funding allowing, will centre on work to the engine so that MV Kyles can sail under its own power for the first time in over a decade.

The museum also hopes to create exciting new interpretation to tell the many stories this workhorse of a vessel hauled aboard over the course of more than a hundred years as a cargo coaster, fishing tender, sand dredger and even a sludge tanker before being retired to the

Scottish Maritime Museum in 1984.

David Mann, Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Eco Dry Ice to trial this innovative cleaning process, which is both kinder to the ship’s historic hull and the environment, and our thanks go to all those who generously donated to our Crowdfunder campaign making the work possible.

“Along with the additional efforts of our volunteers, we are now well on our way to getting MV Kyles shipshape for its 150th anniversary next year.

“Through this work and the wider programme of conservation we hope to complete, we can ensure that this nationally important historic vessel remains part of Scotland’s living maritime heritage for decades to come.”