MEMBERS of the public had extra reason to visit Loch Lomond shores over the weekend as they were given permission to come aboard the Maid of the Loch.

With the paddle steamer open to the public, people young and not so young got the chance to walk around the ship, see the 1902 engine in operation and have the chance to blow the steam whistle.

But one of the major highlights was certainly the six-foot scale model of the steamer built by the Vale’s Olympic gold hero, Lachie Stewart.

Lachie donated the model so that members of the public could see the high quality scale replica up close during the season opening festival.

John Beveridge, Director of the charity that owns the Maid, said “Lachie kindly donated his fantastic model to us to put on display for everyone to see.

"The detail is incredible and it may inspire children and adults to consider model-making.

"We are very grateful to Lachie for his generosity in giving us his model as part of our collection that we can show visitors.

"I am delighted that the charity put the model on display," said Lachie Stewart.

“I hope it generated interest and encouraged visitors to support the charity to get the Maid sailing again."

Admission was free to get on board the Maid of the Loch and the ship’s cafe was open and there were plenty of things to keep children interested such as a quizzes and a new soft toy trail.

There was also the chance to purchase some books on the steamer's illustrious history.

The Maid's future was secured last month when it was revealed that the steamer would be restored to former glory before 2018 after its first rebuilding contract was signed.

The Loch Lomond Steamship Company (LLSC), which owns the paddle steamer, announced that the £5.5 million restoration works should see the boat back in working order in two years.

The signing of the first Maid of the Loch contract marked 20 years since the LLSC became owners of the iconic vessel and the charity will now begin the process of returning the boat to steam-operating condition.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon was among the first high profile politicians to visit the area since the break-up of the Scottish Parliament.

With the Scottish Parliamentary Election on May 5 Ms Sturgeon took the opportunity to meet and greet some of her supporters before taking a tour around Lomond Shores.