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The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Steamship marks 125 years sailing on scenic Scottish loch
Departing with a long blast from the ship's steam whistle, the excited cheers of young voices marked the start of a weekend-long Steamboat Festival at Trossachs Pier. The festival is the centrepiece of a special anniversary year for the Steamship Sir Walter Scott, which was crowned Flagship of the Year 2025 by National Historic Ships UK in April. READ MORE: Historic steamship gears up for 125th anniversary celebration Historic ship begins 125th season on scenic Scottish loch SS Sir Walter Scott returns to Loch Katrine An actor portraying Sir Walter Scott joined the celebrations, honouring the poet whose 1810 masterpiece 'The Lady of the Lake' made him and Loch Katrine, where the poem is set, famous. Built in 1899 at Denny's Shipyard in Dumbarton on the Clyde, Steamship Sir Walter Scott was commissioned to replace the ageing and smaller Rob Roy steamer and help satisfy the huge demand for sailings from the large numbers of visitors flocking to the Trossachs. Tributes were also paid to Captain John MacKinnon, who steered the maiden voyage in 1900. A larger-than-life figure, Captain MacKinnon and his family played a defining role in the first half of the Steamer's life. He remained at the helm until his death, when his son Donald took over as captain. During both World Wars, John and Donald's daughters also cared for the ship. Highlights of this weekend's Steamboat Festival at Trossachs Pier include pirate-themed cruises aboard the Rob Roy Smuggler, complete with storytelling, face painting, and a treasure hunt, alongside a flotilla of classic and model steamboats sailing on the loch. There will also be live music, traditional games, appearances from costumed performers, local food and drink tastings, craft stalls, and fascinating heritage exhibitions. In a tribute to the vessel's enduring legacy, 125 local schoolchildren from local schools joined the cruise, recreating the historic maiden journey. (Image: Paul Saunders) James Fraser, CEO and Lead Trustee of Steamship Sir Walter Scott said: "To see 125 schoolchildren aboard this morning's voyage, representing the future, on a vessel that has been sailing since their great-great-grandparents' time, was truly emotional. "This Steamer is more than a boat: she symbolises the Trossachs' unrivalled cultural heritage in Scotland. She was saved for the nation by incredible public support, and today she sails on, restored, celebrated, and loved. "As we mark 125 years, we do so with gratitude and pride. We invite everyone to join us at Loch Katrine this weekend to celebrate a remarkable past and a bright future for this Scottish treasure." The Steamboat Festival runs across the weekend, with Steamship Sir Walter Scott sailing three times a day in her anniversary year until October 26th.
The Herald Scotland
21-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Historic steamship gears up for 125th anniversary celebration
A recreation of the original cruise will commemorate the historic milestone. In tribute to her enduring legacy, 125 local schoolchildren have been invited to join the voyage, officially launching the three-day Steamboat Festival, which runs from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8 at Trossachs Pier. Visitor interest in Loch Katrine in the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park continues to grow, boosted by the introduction of a new scenic tower at the 'Birthplace of Scottish Tourism' above Trossachs Pier. READ MORE: Historic ship begins 125th season on scenic Scottish loch Opened in late summer 2024, the scenic tower and lookouts are now accessible via a restored pathway, allowing visitors to once again enjoy the iconic Victorian panoramic vista. It was here in the early 1800s that Sir Walter Scott found inspiration to write 'The Lady of the Lake'—a blockbuster poem that helped bring Loch Katrine and Scotland to international fame. Already, the tower has welcomed more than 20,000 visitors. The investment by the The Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust - a charitable organisation which was formed in 2005, to preserve the Steamship for the nation and the enjoyment of the public - has not only reopened one of Scotland's most celebrated views but also helped preserve a site of exceptional cultural and natural significance for future generations. James Fraser, CEO and Lead Trustee of Steamship Sir Walter Scott, said: 'This is a year of special celebration, legacy, and gratitude. Steamship Sir Walter Scott was saved for the nation thanks to the incredible generosity and determination of our supporters, and it's hugely rewarding to have welcomed over one million visitors back on board following major restoration works 20 years ago and again a couple of years ago. "The season has got off to a real flyer with record numbers enjoying cruises on the historic Steamship boosted greatly by a prolonged period of great weather. The Steamship Sir Walter Scott (Image: Paul Saunders) "We're especially excited about the upcoming Steamboat Festival, which promises a fantastic weekend for all ages. Highlights include pirate-themed cruises, a treasure hunt, face painting, costumed story-telling actors, a flotilla of steamboats and steam launches, live music, games, food and drink stalls, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. "It's shaping up to be a truly memorable way to mark 125 years of this much-loved vessel.' After being built in 1899, the Steamship Sir Walter Scott was conveyed in sections from Dumbarton along the River Leven, towed to Inversnaid, carried overland by horse-drawn wagons and reassembled at Stronachlachar on Loch Katrine. Half of the total bill of £4,269 was related to the cost of delivery. It has never sailed any waters other than Loch Katrine, which has been supplying Glasgow's drinking water since 1859. A £1.3 million refurbishment, which began in 2007, converted the vessel from being coal-fuelled to being powered by Scottish smokeless biofuel to reduce the environmental pollution and to cut the risk of diesel spilling into Glasgow's water supply. Passengers aboard the Steamship enjoy live commentary telling the story of the vessel's construction, history, and role in shaping Scottish tourism, as well as the nature and wonders of Loch Katrine. They can also view the engine room during a voyage. At the pier, where passengers depart for a cruise, there is an immersive exhibition showcasing the history of Loch Katrine's steamships. The exhibition includes the human stories of the captains, crew and key people over the 125 years, whose dedication contributed to the Steamship's success and ensured her safety through two World Wars before the challenges of ownership around her 100th anniversary, which resulted in the transfer to a dedicated and independent charitable trust in 2007. The Steamboat Festival will run daily from 10am-5pm from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8.
