A BOARD member at the Maid of the Loch is stepping down after a decade of sterling service.

Bob Dobie, Maid of the Loch’s director of engineering, is leaving after more than 10 years on the charity’s board.

John Beveridge, founder of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, which owns the Maid, said: “We are very sorry to see Bob leaving the board which he has served so well for the past 10 years.

"We owe him a massive “thank you” for all the work he has put into the project, from helping with the successful rebuild of the Balloch Steam Slipway, to the repairs and maintenance of the Maid herself.”

Bob said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the board, and working with the Maid’s volunteers.

“We’ve made some real progress in the past few years, and it’s great to see the support from the Heritage Lottery Fund making a difference.”

He added: “I wish the charity every success and I’m sure they will raise the £1.7 million to get the Maid sailing again. I feel it’s time to hand over the controls before the major refit work begins, but I’ll be remaining a volunteer and continue to help.”

Meanwhile, the Dumbarton Acoustic Music Night recently donated £500 to the "Maid to

Sail" appeal.

Local music group AGM, who host the acoustic night, were invited to play on the boat recently by local folk group The Midgies as part of the summer festival of music nights the boat is having.

A spokesperson for the Maid of the Loch appeal said: “On behalf of the team here at the Maid of the Loch, I would like to thank AGM and the Dumbarton Acoustic Music Nights for their generous donations.

“Thank you to everyone who has come along to support our fundraising folk nights and if you haven't managed to make it to one yet, why not join us on 28th July at 7pm.

“Tickets are £10 each and can be reserved now!

“Money raised will go towards our 'Maid to Sail' fund.”