Lloyds TSB’s annual list of ‘alternative’ motives for requesting loans reveals that the British trait of eccentricity is alive and well.The largest amount requested for a quirky reason was £20,000 to convert a cave into a house, and the same amount for a dowry payment.Buying animals was also a popular reason for borrowing, with one borrower asking for £15,000 for a camel, another for £10,000 for Lloyds TSB’s trademark black stallion, and one sheep enthusiast requesting £1,000 for the woolly creature.miscellaneous eccentric requests included £5,000 for a suit of armour, £3,000 for an ice cream van and £7,000 towards a houseboat.”Our annual list is a refreshing reminder that Brits still have a healthy dose of eccentricity and ambition,” said Tony Gibbons, head of personal loans at Lloyds TSB. “Whether it’s a houseboat or a horse that’s top of the list, a personal loan is a great way for people to get what they want, in a way that’s affordable.”