AN engineer from Barrhead is saying ‘bon voyage’ to a paddle steamer after more than a decade of service.

Bob Dobie, of Park Avenue, is stepping down as director of engineering for Maid of the Loch - the last paddle steamer built in Britain.

Loch Lomond Steamship Company (LLSC) own the Maid and Bob joined the charity as a volunteer in 2004 before being appointed to the board in 2006.

During his career, he has served with the British India Steam Navigation Company Ltd and latterly was director and general manager of Scottish Galvanisers Ltd before retiring in 1999.

Bob said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the board and working with the Maid’s volunteers."

The Maid was built in Glasgow in 1953, disassembled, taken to Balloch by rail, rebuilt on the banks of Loch Lomond and launched on March 5 the same year. She was withdrawn from service in 1981 and suffered neglect until being rescued by LLSC.

Since 2000, she has been open as a visitor attraction at Balloch Pier.