News

A World Class Welcome for Visitors to Loch Katrine

Fresh from the World Pipe Band Championships, which were held in Glasgow during September 2011, the Strathendrick Pipe Band has been entertaining visitors at Loch Katrine.

Based in Strathblane, the Strathendrick Pipe Band has members drawn from across West Stirlingshire. Led by John Muir, the band contains a range of age groups but is noted for having a high proportion of teenage members.

An Uplifting Experience

Question: What is the best way to carry out annual inspections and repairs to a 112-year old steamship?

Answer: Build a special cradle on the slipway at Stronachlachar, which makes it easy for essential maintenance to be carried out.

And that is exactly what the team of engineers who lovingly care for the steamship Sir Walter Scott all year round have done; designing, fabricating and installing the cradle which will make it possible for the regular maintenance which is essential to safeguard the ship’s future to be carried out.

Operations Director Gordon Allan emphasised how valuable the new cradle will be. “Between 2007 and 2009 the charitable trust which owns the steamship made a significant investment in the restoration and renovation of the Sir Walter Scott, and this further investment will ensure that this fine old ship remains in excellent condition year in, year out, and indeed for generations to come”.

Steamship Sir Walter Scott joins 'Historic Fleet'

The status of the steamship Sir Walter Scott as one of the UK’s most historically important vessels has been marked by the raising of a new ensign bearing the mark of National Historic Ships’ Historic Fleet.

Robin Denny and Gordon Allan with the plaque commemorating the refurbishment of the ship

Robin Denny (a descendant of the famous Denny family) and Gordon Allan with the plaque commemorating the refurbishment of the ship.

For well over 100 years since its launch back in 1899, the Sir Walter Scott has been providing countless visitors and tourists with the memorable experience of travelling on a steamship to admire the enchanting landscapes of Loch Katrine. Today, it is believed to be the oldest steamship still operating a regular passenger service in Scotland, with daily sailings available from April to October.

The ship itself was constructed by one of Scotland’s best-known shipbuilders - William Denny of Dumbarton, who fitted what was then a state-of-the-art passenger steamer with the latest design of triple expansion steam engine, built by Paul & Co of Dumbarton. Robin Denny, a descendant of the famous Denny family, returned to Loch Katrine in April 2011 to assist the team which looks after the Sir Walter Scott on a day-to-day basis, and to join Operations Director Gordon Allan in unveiling a plaque commemorating the hard work of the many highly skilled professionals and volunteers who contributed to the refurbishment of the ship, which was completed in 2009.

Robin’s visit to Loch Katrine has been appreciated by Gordon and his team. “Robin is a regular visitor to Loch Katrine, and he is a great supporter of all the effort which goes into maintaining a grand old steamship like ours. You could say it’s after sales service – more than 100 years on! For us, though, Robin represents a wonderful link to the people who, over a century ago, sat at a drawing board and undertook the painstaking process of putting together every last nut, bolt, and piece of timber, before launching the steamship, then transporting her up Loch Lomond and overland from Inversnaid to her home on Loch Katrine.”

Both the new ensign and the plaque were arranged by Graham Ellis, a founding Trustee of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust, the charity which owns and operates the ship. Graham added: “The continued existence of the Sir Walter Scott as an operational passenger steamship is down to the fantastic restoration work which was undertaken over the harsh winter months by the many highly skilled engineers, craftsmen and volunteers who worked at the Stronachlachar slipway, to ensure that today’s visitors can enjoy travelling on such a beautiful, comfortable vessel. The plaque recognises the exceptional quality of their work, and the contribution they have made to ensuring the future of such an historic vessel”.

Loch Katrine - the perfect setting for 'A Perfect Day'

The dramatic and beautiful landscape of Loch Katrine provided the atmospheric setting for the video to accompany Scottish singer Susan Boyle's recording - 'A Perfect Day' which was launched exclusively on ITV on 7th November 2011.

Crew members of the Steamship managed to meet Susan Boyle in between the filming of her video at Loch Katrine.

The video, with its striking photography showing the exhilarating Autumn beauty of Loch Katrine, was launched exclusively on ITV on 7th November, and showcases the beauty of The Trossachs to millions of viewers worldwide. Click here to watch the official video on YouTube.

Murder on the steamship... Sir Walter Scott hosts a sleepover with a difference!

With its many attributes and features, Loch Katrine is a popular attraction for groups and parties of all kinds, whose interests range from steam boats to weekend hill-walking, and who are all attracted by the scenic beauty and charms of The Trossachs.

Congratulations! Members of Muckhart and Kincardine Guides get set to go for a sail on the Sir Walter Scott.

Earlier this year however – a very different group made their way to Loch Katrine, for a rather special centenary adventure! The group comprised members of Muckhart and Kincardine Guides, who chose to make an overnight stop at Loch Katrine for the Adventure element of their Baden Powell Challenge, not camping out in the countryside however, but sleeping on board the steamship Sir Walter Scott.

The adventure started when the group arrived for a safety briefing from Operations Director Gordon Allan, before tackling their first challenge: sorting out sleeping accommodation on the 110-year old steamship itself, well used to hosting visitors on sightseeing cruises, but definitely not set up to offer the most comfortable overnight accommodation.

Organising the sleeping arrangements was just the first task the party faced – and during their time at Loch Katrine the Guides had to tackle a range of challenges, culminating in a pedal tractor race, and even a murder mystery game back on board the steamship.

Breakfast and the presentation of certificates brought the visit to an end for the Guides (or so they thought!). As the Sir Walter Scott resumed its traditional role, welcoming visitors onboard for another cruise in this most beautiful area, the girls were invited to stay aboard for the morning sailing to Stronachlachar. This was the icing on the cake for the Guides, who thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.

The perfect gift!

Are you looking for a great way to say ‘Congratulations!’ - ‘Happy Birthday’ - or even just ‘Thank You!’? Then a Loch Katrine Gift Voucher is the ideal solution.

Available from £10 upwards, they can be used for all Loch Katrine sailings and cycle hire from Katrinewheelz, and in The Katrine Cafe, and in Katrine Gifts.

They’re available now from The Information Office at Loch Katrine - and also by calling (01877) 332000. Now you can give someone the gift of a wonderful day out at Loch Katrine!

All aboard The Sir Walter Scott

All aboard The Sir Walter Scott as the steamship officially set sail on Loch Katrine after a three year restoration project. The 110 year old vessel is a firm favourite amongst visitors to the Trossachs and will now serve tourists for generations to come. Watch the report from STV's Scotland Today.

Refurbished steamship features on BBC Scotland show, ‘Landward’

The refurbishment of the steamship Sir Walter Scott was recently aired on the BBC Scotland show, Landward. The report by Nick Nairn can seen by clicking here. The Scotland Outdoors section of the BBC website also has an audio clip that can be heard here, and an image gallery that can be viewed by clicking here.

The Loch Katrine Story

A new Souvenir Guide Book, telling the story of Loch Katrine and the veteran steamship Sir Walter Scott has just been published. Written by the renowned transport historian Michael Pearson, the full-colour booklet is filled with spectacular images which capture the beauty of Loch Katrine, and the atmosphere of a journey on the famous ship.

It is available for purchase from Katrine Gifts at Trossachs Pier for £3.25, or at the specially reduced price of £2.95 when purchased in conjunction with your cruise tickets. For further information, call (01877) 332000.

Once upon a time...

…life around the shores of Loch Katrine wasn’t just as peaceful as it is today! Perhaps fact and fiction have become mixed up as the tales of the famous highlander Rob Roy MacGregor have been told and re-told, but one fact which is never disputed is his bravery and his love of the countryside and its people.

You can get a glimpse of what life was like in Rob Roy’s day with new displays which have been installed at Trossachs Pier - an ideal introduction which sets the scene for a cruise on Loch Katrine.