AT her height in the 1960s, she would take Glaswegians along the Clyde on pleasure trips throughout the summer.
Now the Clyde-built steamship Shieldhall can carry passengers for the next 25 years after securing a £1.4 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The investment will fund essential repairs, including fixing the hull to meet modern regulations as well as improving facilities.
Described as the largest steamship of her type in Europe, Shieldhall was built by Lobnitz & Co in Renfrew to a classic World War Two design and launched in 1955.
For the next two decades she carried treated sludge from the city out to sea while doubling up as a pleasure boat in the summer.
Sold to Southern Water in 1977, she was withdrawn from commercial service in 1985 but saved and purchased for £20,000 in 1988 by the charity that keeps her running in Southampton.
The Solent Steam Packet Limited (TSSP) praised the decision to fund the three-year Saving Shieldhall project and said the money would help preserve the experience of a steamship at work for the future.
TSSP managing director Graham Mackenzie said: "We're delighted the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this grant. It was 25 years ago Shieldhall was purchased by our charity, and the award means we can look forward to celebrating her golden anniversary. It is the very best anniversary gift for our wonderful volunteers. We are looking forward to all the hard work ahead."
However, Mr MacKenzie warned more funds will be needed in the future.
"Further match funding is required and it is critical that support for the ship continues through our forward programme involving volunteers, members, donors, events and functions," he said.
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