The mission to get the Maid of the Loch sailing again has received two more sizable donations to help the cause.

The Wolfson Foundation and The Swire Charitable Trust have awarded the Balloch attraction £40,000 and £20,000 respectively.

John Beveridge, Chairman of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company said: “The have helped put even more wind in the sails of our regeneration project and takes us two steps closer to meeting our fundraising goal. We are most grateful, and look forward, with confidence, to the Maid’s first sail.”

The Wolfson Foundation’s chief executive Paul Ramsbottom said the charity was delighted to be involved in funding the restoration of the paddle steamer.

He added: This is an important piece of Scottish heritage in a strikingly beautiful setting and it is thrilling to think that the steamer will soon be journeying up and down the loch.

“We are particularly pleased to be increasing our funding in rural areas of Scotland – a reminder to us (and to all funders) of the importance of funding beyond towns and cities.”

Donations to return the Maid back to sail can be made through their dedicated website, www.maidoftheloch.org/donate.