The VisitScotland Quality Assurance Award

 10-01-2005

Maid of the Loch: Loch Lomond’s Star Attraction

Maid of the Loch, Loch Lomond’s Paddle Steamer, has recently achieved a 2 Star Visitor Attraction award from VisitScotland under its quality assurance scheme.

Loch Lomond Steamship Company, her owners, and Canapés Catering who provide all the catering on board, have worked very hard to obtain high standards.

The award is based on a variety of factors such as ease of access, cleanliness of facilities, hygiene standards, courtesy of staff, signage and available information. The paddler has been open as a static restaurant, café, bar, museum and events facility since 2001. Such recognition is a welcome boost to both companies and the volunteers that work on the project to restore the ship to steam operation on the loch.

Restoration is on-going, with the Glasgow College of Building & Technology the latest organisation to lend a hand. They are carrying out upholstery work in the lower bar, currently being refurbished, and widow replacement in the wheelhouse. 

Everything is coming together for the steamer. Last year she was designated as an historic vessel by the UK body responsible for making such decisions; she has achieved this award; and recently the charity succeeded in its bid to receive funding for the rebuild of the adjoining slipway complex. This is critical to the Maid ever sailing again as she must be taken out of the water for survey and overhaul. Her return to operation is a huge step closer.

At Easter, another Easter Egg Hunt will be run free for children, and in May it is anticipated that the Maid will welcome her 50,000^th visitor since re-opening to the public in 2001.

John Beveridge

Director, Loch Lomond Steamship Company