HER tireless campaigning to protect one of Scotland's best-known beauty spots earned her the moniker the "Queen of Loch Lomond" and sparked a movement that continues to this day.
Now Dr Hannah Stirling has been honoured on her 100th birthday with the launch of a pleasure boat that bears her name as it carries visitors across the waters she has enjoyed so much during her long life.
Dr Stirling was the driving force behind the formation of the Friends of Loch Lomond, and has remained the standard bearer of all efforts to conserve area through the years.
The charity sprung into life in 1978 after she wrote a letter to the then Glasgow Herald opposing a proposed major hydroelectric dam scheme on the north face of Ben Lomond, which grew to a 200,000-strong petition.
Dr Stirling won that battle, as she has many others since, and the proposal was scrapped.
In the years since, she has continued to campaign for the protection of the area's natural beauty and was instrumental in the drive to secure the long-term preservation of Ben Lomond, with ownership transferring to the National Trust for Scotland.
The charity also played a vital role in campaigning to secure Scotland's first national park in 2002.
Dr Stirling, who was awarded an MBE 20 years ago, is the president of the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs group.
The launch was organised by the Friends and boat operator Cruise Loch Lomond. When running, the vessel will criss-cross the loch, providing water bus services and charters against the backdrop of Ben Lomond.
Dr Stirling, whose birthday fell on Saturday, said she was "thrilled and delighted" that thousands of people each year will be able to enjoy the service.
She added: "Although I continue to be housebound as the years take their toll, I was delighted the Friends marked my 100th birthday by arranging with my neighbours Stuart, Marie and Fred at Cruise Loch Lomond to have their new vessel named after me.
"This is a very pleasant surprise and one I very much appreciated. It's heartening to know thousands of visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty of Loch Lomond on the MV Lomond Hannah."
James Fraser, chairman of the Friends, said of the centenarian: "Dr Stirling has been a driving force behind conserving and protecting Loch Lomond for future generations.
"We thought it was fitting to name a boat in her honour. There's a mix of businesses, tourism organisations, conservation bodies, all here today to celebrate and mark her remarkable contribution."
Stuart Cordner, director of Cruise Loch Lomond, added: "Hannah has been very supportive of our business since we began operating in the late 1970s. She also had the foresight to establish the Friends to ensure Loch Lomond was protected as the jewel in Scotland's tourism crown."
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