SOLAR BOAT FOR LOCH LOMOND: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY, SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM ON THE SUNSHINE TRAIL

SHINING EXAMPLE: the eco-friendly vessel powered by ultraviolet light may soon be luring visitors to take a trip on Loch Lomond

The new Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority is discussing plans to spend £400,000 on the eco-friendly boat with the help of Euro funding. Officials say the boat would help offset pollution caused by diesel-powered boats on the loch. The cloudy skies which bring an average of 80in of rainfall to the loch each year will not present a problem as the vessel relies on ultraviolet light, rather than sunlight.

Park officials were inspired to investigate the possibility of bringing in a solar-powered vessel after a visit to Lake Constance in Switzerland where a solar ferry takes 50 passengers to Germany. If the park authority is successful in attracting European funding for the 65ft catamaran they hope it will be used by the public. Today a spokeswoman for the National Park Authority said: "We are most probably looking at something that could carry up to 50 passengers.

"It is hoped a decision can be taken at our meeting in June." Designed by German company Kopf, the catamaran travels at about 10mph and costs less than £10 a year to run. It is hoped Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Enterprise can help fund the project.

Scotland's first solar-powered passenger boat could soon be sailing on Loch Lomond. The new Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority is discussing plans to spend £400,000 on the eco-friendly boat with the help of Euro funding. Officials say the boat would help offset pollution caused by diesel-powered boats on the loch. The cloudy skies which bring an average of 80in of rainfall to the loch each year will not present a problem as the vessel relies on ultraviolet light, rather than sunlight