Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

Loch Lomond sailings may end - after 147 years

Bill McKellar writes :

From "Glasgow Herald" 25th September 1964

   Steamer sailings on Loch Lomond, which started 147 years ago with Mr. David Napier's MARION in 1817, may end after next week when the season finishes.

   British Railways said yesterday that the MAID OF THE LOCH passenger returns for this summer up to August 8 showed a 13 per cent decrease on the same period last year.   The indifferent weather in recent weeks is understood to have contributed to the downward trend in passengers.

   Officially, however, British Railways state that a decision about the sailings will not be taken until later this year.

   The MAID OF THE LOCH, which took over summer cruises on Loch Lomond in 1953, had a reprieve early last year.   British Railways, after suggestions that the facility would have to be discontinued for economic reasons, decided to maintain the sailings as part of their contribution towards encouraging tourists to Scotland.

   There was a slight increase in the number of passengers last year, probably because many people thought it would be their last chance for such an outing.

   The railways first became interested in the sailings in 1888 when the North British Steam Packet Company took over the existing private enterprise operator.    By 1896 there were four steamers plying on the loch in summer.