A VOLUNTEER from Helensburgh was among those recognised for helping to make a real difference on Loch Lomondside in the National Park awards.

John Beveridge, who is one of the main driving forces behind the restoration of the Maid of the Loch steamship at Balloch Pier was one of three people recognised by Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs.

John has been involved with the Maid since 1982 when she was advertised for sale. Ten years later, when the Maid owners were placed into liquidation John, who at the time was a Director at Dumbarton District Council, persuaded the local authority to buy the boat.

He then helped set up the Loch Lomond Steamship Company in 1995, and since then the Maid has been refurbished and become a popular static tourist attraction, with the pier rebuilt and the slipway restored.

As voluntary project manager working with a number of consultants, John has also recently managed to secure significant funding pledge towards this cause from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

John said: “Ever since that day in 1982 I have been determined to ensure that the Maid of the Loch can operate to the best of her ability, and it is a determination I will retain for many years to come.

"The interest shown in the Maid every year shows how vital it is that she is maintained, and that every avenue is explored for improvement. I am delighted that I have been recognised in this way by the Friends, and I am looking forward to continuing our successful relationship.”

Also recognised at the charity's recent annual general meeting was former Buchanan Community Council secretary Joe Twaddle and Paul Saunders, who runs his media and photography business around Loch Lomond.

All three were recognised as having made an enormous difference to the visitor experience in the National Park in recent years.

Joe Twaddle, who runs Passfoot Bed and Breakfast in Balmaha with his wife Betty, was given the third Hannah Stirling National Park Award in recognition of his hard work, commitment and outstanding service over many years to the well-being of East Loch Lomondside.

The National Park Business Supporter of the Year award went to Paul Saunders, in recognition of his contribution to the success of the Tom Weir’s Loch Lomond Wonderland project and the Friends of OUR park scheme. The Tom Weir’s Loch Lomond Wonderland project saw the production of an innovative, eye-catching and colourful booklet and exhibition telling the story of the broadcaster’s life and featuring contributions 300 local primary schoolchildren, which was co-ordinated by Paul.

Friends chairman James Fraser said: “These three award winners are fully deserving of their recognition and we are delighted for every one of them, as they have helped make a real difference on the ground and have contributed to making the National Park a better place for people to enjoy. We had no hesitation in deciding that all three should receive these awards and we hope they will continue to make contributions to enriching the National park with the many hundreds of volunteers who are active with the Friends and other bodies throughout Scotland’s first National Park.”