IT was a case of "welcome aboard" over the holiday break as children flocked to Loch Lomond Shores to take part in an Easter egg hunt with a distinctly maritime theme.

The Maid of the Loch, Loch Lomond’s Paddle Steamer, based at Balloch, opened to the public once again on Friday, April 14.

And to mark the occasion, children under the age of 12 were invited on board the famous old steamer to begin the countdown to Easter Sunday in the best possible fashion – with a free egg hunt.

The event took place on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday and saw scores of children take part.

For younger children, the popular Teddy Trail returned too, where Teddy Bears were strategically placed around the ship waiting for eagle-eyed children to spot them.

John Beveridge, director of the charity that owns the Maid, said: “Despite the weather, the Maid had lots of visitors from all over the country.

“In our Easter Egg Hunts, kids scoured the ship looking for clues, and over 50 eggs were ‘found.’

“The Children’s Quiz was popular and lots of Maid of the Loch badges were given out to those who took part.

“Altogether a very successful event and our thanks to everyone who supported us.”

Another new feature on the vessel is the new Café on the Maid and Lomond Restaurant.

Restaurateur Tanweer Sadiq, said: “I am looking forward to working with, and supporting, the charity.”

The historic steamship is now open to the public until mid-October.

To find out more about The Maid of the Loch go to www.maidoftheloch.org.