The charity which owns the Maid of the Loch has urged the public to throw the ship a financial lifeline.

The much-loved vessel, which plied the loch until 1981, has sailed into a funding crisis caused by the coronavirus lockdown.

John Beveridge, chairman of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, said while the Maid should be enjoying a bumper year, having had a £1.1 million refit last year, all is in lockdown at her berth at Balloch Pier.

He said: “The consequence of all work ceasing and staff on furlough is that there is no income from visitors or functions.

"We are asking for the Maid to be thrown a lifeline, but with rewards, to encourage support and keep her afloat.

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“All money raised will keep the Maid safe and help prepare the anti-virus measures that will be needed.”

Just to operate the ship at the pier costs more than £100,000 a year.

Costs include insurance, power, staff and licences, while the charity now faces additional costs to meet new rules for virus control.

Mr Beveridge said: “The Maid has a special place in many people’s hearts.

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“People’s donations will help our lovely old lady be ready to welcome everyone on board once again.”

Donations and rewards can be found on the Maid’s website and on its Facebook page.

The charity recently launched a ‘virtual cruise’ at its website - maidoftheloch.org - giving people the chance to pay to experience an online version of the Maid’s first cruise in 1953.