Future of Loch Lomond steamer Maid of the Loch in doubt after lottery funding rejection

VOLUNTEERS have been left ‘devastated’ after a funding package to restore a Loch Lomond paddle steamer to working order was rejected.

The future of the Maid of the Loch, currently static and moored at Balloch, is in doubt thanks to news that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) would not be granting them funds.

Work had already begun on bringing the steamer, which carried thousands on the Loch from 1953-1981, back to life.

John Beveridge, Chairman of Loch Lomond Steamship Company, said: “We are absolutely devastated with HLF’s decision not to grant funds to the Maid of the Loch, and it’s going to take some time to absorb this news and the reasons behind it.

“It was HLF that encouraged us to apply; the West Dunbartonshire area was a top priority for them and we really felt we put forward a strong case for the funding.

“Not just for what the donation would represent in transforming the ship, but for what it would bring to the area and indeed Scotland as a whole if Maid of the Loch was to sail once again.”

The project was previously awarded almost £1 million from The Scottish Government, and recently received a grant from Historic Environments Scotland of £250,000 to restore the pier.

However the HLF knockback casts major doubt on whether work will be able to be continued.

“Unfortunately, [today’s] decision jeopardises the whole project and our vision for refurbishing the ship now hangs in the balance,” Mr Beveridge added.

“Our team of dedicated volunteers, our board of Directors, tour guides, maintenance and so many more hard-working and passionate individuals, have worked incredibly hard over the past 22 years to protect and preserve our much-loved Paddle Steamer.

“To have to explain to them that we won’t be sailing next year after all is extremely tough.”

Mr Beveridge said that the small charity’s efforts in raising so much money was something that they could be proud of and that he was both grateful and sorry to the organisations and funders that had supported them.

The Loch Lomond Steamship Company had been set up in 1995 to take ownership of The Maid and restore her.

By 2000, she was able to be used as a cafe and function suit and became an attraction at Balloch Pier but bringing her back into steam operation had always been the goal of those who worked to restore her.

Mr Beveridge said: “The Maid’s return to sail would have been the single biggest project to take place in South Loch Lomond in more than 20 years, and it’s a huge blow to the area now that this £6m regeneration programme will not take place. The effects of this decision will be felt by the whole community.

“It’s a very sad day indeed and does not auger well for the future of our industrial heritage. For now, we will take some time to reflect on this news and discuss as a team where we go from here.”

West Dunbartonshire MP Martin Docherty-Hughes labelled the decision by HLF as ‘baffling’ and reinforced his support for the campaign to restore The Maid.

He tweeted: “The Maid is an important part of West Dunbartonshire’s cultural heritage, enjoyed by many people from across Scotland and all over the world.

“I will be offering my full support to ensure the ambitious efforts to restore the Maid to her former glory are not derailed.”

A spokesman for HLF told STV: “We understand this will be very disappointing news for the many dedicated volunteers involved with the Maid of the Loch.

“Returning the paddle steamer to full operation is a complex and specialised project with many challenges and risks.

“HLF has a high level of competition for grants at every stage of the applications process and we are unable to support all of the applications we receive.

He added: “We have to make difficult decisions and weigh up benefits with risks. Unfortunately, in this competitive situation the board felt that other applications for funding were stronger and they were unable to support this project.

“We recognise the heritage importance of the Maid of the Loch and remain supportive of its long term sustainability as a visitor attraction.”