COUNCILLORS have agreed to launch a consultation into a boat hiring scheme - following the sinking of a passenger ferry in 2012.

The Vixen, which was found to be in poor condition, sank on Loch Lomond in 2012.

It was found by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) that there was no regulatory oversight for small boat hires in Loch Lomond, and the licensing committee has previously agreed to implement such a scheme.

Councillors agreed with a report at a meeting of the committee last week, which will see council officers ask for comments on the proposed scheme from stakeholders.

All five conditions of the draft license will be part of the consultation, which will produce a report due before the committee as soon as it is complete.

The Vixen went down on September 19, 2012, with six passengers and its skipper on board.

The MAIB concluded the weight of the passengers, as well as bilge water was enough to sink the boat, 50 yards from the banks of Loch Lomond.

Some of the passengers were able to swim to shore, and others were rescued by a nearby boat.

No one was injured and there was no pollution caused.