Robin steers bid to keep ship off rocks
Ex-diplomat wants iconic paddle steamer restored
A diplomat who used to be `our man in Washington’ has been appointed to head the charity bidding to restore the Maid of the Loch.
Robin Naysmith, formerly Scotland’s diplomatic representative in Washington DC and a senior civil servant in The Scottish Government, has taken over the helm of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, as it enters the next stage of a £7 million bid to get the iconic paddle steamer sailing again.
Mr Naysmith, who spent the latter part of his career promoting Scotland internationally, said he was delighted to be joining the charity, adding: “Our aim is to restore the Maid of the Loch as a fully operational paddle steamer with all the economic benefits that it will bring to Loch Lomond and to Scotland.
“She is a national treasure with a fascinating history and an important place in Scotland’s rich maritime history. When fully restored and operational, the Maid will be a huge visitor attraction for Loch Lomond and the surrounding area.
“Having raised £1.9 million to date, the challenge for the charity now is, by fundraising nationally and internationally, to recreate an authentic 1950s cruising experience, surrounded by world class scenery on the bonnie, bonnie banks.
“Fully operational, the Maid of the Loch will create at least 25 new jobs and attract an additional 95,000 visitors a year to Loch Lomond, a significant economic bonus to local communities and businesses. This is a hugely exciting project and I hope it will appeal to friends of Scotland all over the world.”
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “I am delighted to hear that Robin Naysmith will take the helm of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company. The restoration of one of Scotland’s most treasured vessels has reached an important stage and I’m sure Robin’s vast experience and international connections will help ensure the project is steered to a successful conclusion.
“The Maid of the Loch attracts thousands of visitors every year but the works to restore her to former glory, as a fullyoperational paddle steamer, will mean that she’ll become an outstanding, first-class attraction, drawing even more visitors to the bonnie banks.”
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, said: “I would like to congratulate Robin Naysmith on his new role as chairman. The Maid of the Loch has been an iconic fixture in our National Park landscape for over a generation. The dedication and tenacity of the team working to get the Maid sailing again has been building an impressive momentum over recent years. Those involved should be congratulated on the progress so far and we are looking forward to seeing her attract new visitors to the area when she starts sailing again.”
The Maid is currently berthed at Balloch where restoration work continues.