Maid of the Loch campaign backed by Lomond brewery

A CAMPAIGN to return a paddle steamer to Loch Lomond duty has won the backing of a brewer.
By PAUL WARD
Published 27th May 2013, 10:50 BST
The Maid of the Loch is the subject of a £4.9 million restoration bid. Picture: TSPLThe Maid of the Loch is the subject of a £4.9 million restoration bid. Picture: TSPL
The Maid of the Loch is the subject of a £4.9 million restoration bid. Picture: TSPL

The Maid of the Loch carried thousands of passengers every year along the 24 miles of Loch Lomond between 1953 and 1981. A charity is aiming to raise 
£4.9million to restore and ­return the ship to the water.

The Loch Lomond Steam Ship Company believes it will boost tourism and business in the already popular region.

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Loch Lomond Brewery has produced a 60th anniversary Maid of the Loch beer, and owner Fiona MacEachern has pledged a percentage of sales of the drink towards restoring the ship.

She said: “We live in the area and the business is on the loch, so we’re keen to see the Maid run again. It’s a big part of Loch Lomond’s heritage and hopefully its future, so any way we could help we were keen to.”

The paddle steamer is docked at Balloch as a visitor attraction and a function venue.

The steamship company took ownership of the boat almost 20 years ago and has restored the interior. It needs money to replace the boat’s mechanical systems.