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Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I went on UK rail route named world's most beautiful and it lived up to the hype'
The iconic West Highlands Line leaves Glasgow behind and delves deep into the west coast, trundling along the Clyde to Helensburgh, and then north via Garelochhead and Loch Long towards either Oban or Mallaig "I think this is the most beautiful train line I've ever been on." Those words are ones that quite earnestly passed my lips yesterday as my wife and I trundled through the Scottish Highlands, along the banks of shimmering lochs, through ancient mountains and over achingly bleak and beautiful moors. "You've been on it before," she helpfully pointed out. Fortunately, my having done a thing and then forgotten about it does not make it any less beautiful. The iconic West Highlands Line leaves Glasgow behind and delves deep into the west coast, trundling along the Clyde to Helensburgh, and then north via Garelochhead and Loch Long towards either Oban or Mallaig. Not long after you make it out of Scotland's biggest city, the rolling, wind turbine-crested hills begin to grow larger and larger as the Highlands approach. It comes after the UK's five worst seaside towns were named - including resort with one-star beach. The train line carries you north along the west coast, through the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. A track split takes place at Crianlarich, carrying you either past Loch Awe to Oban, or high up to Rannoch Moor. The railway line crosses the moorland for 23 miles and rises to over 400 metres, providing unparalleled views of one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe: a vast stretch of blanket bog, lochans, rivers, and rocky outcrops where curlews, grouse, roe, and red deer run free. The Moor became a point of near-national obsession during the Victorian era, when fear and slight revulsion about its untamed and intimidating nature morphed into passion. Amongst the early visitors were the poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, who visited in 1803 and tentatively described the place as "desolate and extensive wild". Just seven years later, Scotland's foremost cheerleader, Sir Walter Scott, published his poem 'The Lady of the Lake', which featured Loch Katrine in the Trossachs, south of Rannoch Moor, and catapulted it to celebrity. The poem inspired tourists to flock to the area to see how "Summer dawn's reflected hue to purple changed Loch Katrine blue" for themselves. On my way up to the Highlands and then down again a few days later, we were treated to both sides of the place. During our night ride, the glens and Munros pressed against the train window, making our little lit-up box on wheels feel very small as it trundled on. During the bright, sunny trip home, the vistas that present themselves - the sparkling lochs beneath sheer mountains, topped with verdant green - feel more like Switzerland or Austria than Bonny Old. Inarguably, the most famous spot on the line is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which featured in the Harry Potter films as the route of the Hogwarts Express. You'll roll over this on the way to Mallaig, the end station on the 164-mile line. I'd suggest skipping an afternoon at the Viaduct. When I went, a steady sheet of drizzle was falling over the hordes of Potter fans, most of whom seemed a little underwhelmed by the entertainment on offer: two pipers mournfully piping, and some railway infrastructure. Add to that the fact that the locals of the 100-person village are sick to death of the masses, and the decision to stay away seems an easy one. Mallaig is a much better bet, home as it is to excellent whale watching tours that deliver regular sightings of the cheerful minke pod that live in the area. Corrour, which is the highest altitude railway station in the UK and attracts Trainspotting fans thanks to its use as a location in the film, is equally pretty and fascinating. In 2009, Wanderlust magazine readers voted the West Highland Line in Scotland as the top railway journey in the world. Similarly, travel tour operators, Mickledore, are fans. 'The West Highland Line is more than a train ride — it's a living canvas of Scotland. Mountains, moors, lochs, wildlife, and history unfold before you. It captures the essence of the Highlands like nothing else — and it earned its title as the most scenic journey for good reason," the firm tempts.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
French family are 30,000th visitors to Trossachs attraction in just one year
The scenic tower overlooking "spectacular panoramic views" of Loch Katrine was officially opened only 12 months ago and has since become a popular local spot. A family visiting Scotland from France this week, took the overall visitor numbers to the stunning historic scenic tower at Loch Katrine to over 30,000. The popular Trossachs attraction, home of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott, presented the Phillipe family from the Centre-Val de Loire region of France with branded Loch Katrine gifts and souvenirs to mark this milestone, which has been achieved within its first year. The striking three-storey tower was officially opened by VisitScotland chair Stephen Leckie OBE on 21 August 2024 and features the spectacular panoramic view that helped launch Scotland's tourism industry more than 200 years ago. Perched above Trossachs Pier, the tower connects today's visitors with the iconic viewpoint that inspired Sir Walter Scott's The Lady of the Lake in 1810. The vivid landscapes described in his poem helped bring national attention to the area and made the Trossachs famous. Thoughtfully designed to blend into the natural surroundings, the tower offers sweeping views over Loch Katrine and the surrounding hills and mountains. A short, accessible path leads to the tower, allowing people of all ages to enjoy this dramatic and historic setting. Visitors have been fascinated to learn about the site's rich cultural significance, including how Hail to the Chief, the piece of music that has welcomed every American President, was inspired by Sir Walter Scott's poem, as was Schubert's Ave Maria. Interpretation panels also tell the story of clan chief and outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, who in the 1700s was warned from this viewpoint of approaching Redcoat soldiers seeking his arrest, adding to the sense of history and intrigue. The Scenic Tower has encouraged more UK and overseas visitors to discover the Birthplace of Scottish Tourism above Trossachs Pier and there has been a sizeable increase in the number of driver-guided tour operators from across Scotland now including Loch Katrine in their tours, helping to sustainably increase visitor numbers. Loch Katrine and the wider Trossachs area have been boosted by the return of the seasonal Trossachs Explorer bus service linking with nearby villages and attractions, providing exciting new public transport connection options across Scotland. The recent return of Steamship Sir Walter Scott after an £850,000 restoration has brought multiple benefits, including improved accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility. At the same time, a major programme of access improvements was delivered across the pier area. This month saw another milestone of that work with the completion of a £90,000 lift modernisation project. The year 2025 has been a landmark year for Loch Katrine. Steamship Sir Walter Scott marked her 125th anniversary and was named 'Flagship of the Year' by National Historic Ships UK. The attraction is also a finalist in two prestigious VisitScotland Thistle Awards: Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience and the Inclusion Award. James Fraser, CEO of Loch Katrine and a trustee of the Steamship Trust, said: 'We were delighted to present the family from France with souvenir gifts, and to let them know that their visit marks the milestone figure of 30,000 visitors to the famous viewpoint credited with being where Scottish tourism began back in the early 1800s. 'Over the first year of the scenic tower and lookouts, we have welcomed visitors from all over the world and have been delighted with their reaction to the new attraction. 'From restoring the Steamship to building the Scenic Tower and enhancing accessibility across the site, we've focused on sustainable, appealing and practical improvements. 'We're proud to demonstrate how tourism can protect and showcase special landscapes while promoting rich cultural stories and delivering unforgettable experiences responsibly.'
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Scotsman
Visitors flock to new scenic tower with "better views" than Loch Lomond
Viewpoint offers panorama of loch and hills at 'birthplace of Scottish tourism' Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A new tower which offers visitors dramatic views over a loch and hills credited with being the birthplace of Scottish tourism has attracted 30,000 visitors within a year. The three-storey attraction at the east end of Loch Katrine in the Trossachs provides a panorama over the landscape which inspired paintings and literary works such as Sir Walter Scott's The Lady of the Lake. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The view west over Loch Katrine from the tower | Paul Saunders Photography The area was popularised by artists and writers from the 1790s, but the visitor influx surged when Scott's poem was published in 1810, triggering the arrival of some 500 coaches within a year. The tower is located beside Trossachs Pier from where the steamship Sir Walter Scott has been cruising the loch for 125 years, while visitors can also hire bikes to tour the virtually traffic-free road along its northern banks. The tower opened in August 2024 | Paul Saunders Photography The structure, which is reached by a short, accessible path, was officially opened by VisitScotland chair Stephen Leckie on August 21 last year. Panels tell the story of clan chief and outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, who in the 1700s was warned from the viewpoint of approaching Redcoat soldiers seeking his arrest. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The tower is sited where two huts were built in the late 1780s by Lady Drummond of Perth to inspire artists and writers. The view west over Loch Katrine from the tower | Paul Saunders Photography In 1803, Dorothy Wordsworth, describing poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge's admiration for the view from one of the huts, called the place 'all eye, and completely satisfied the sense and the heart.' James Clark, director of cycle hire firm Katrine Wheelz, said the scenery was 'as beautiful if not better' than at Loch Lomond - and without the traffic noise. There has been a reported 'sizeable' increase in the number of driver-guided tour operators including the loch in their itineraries, which had helped increase visitor numbers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tourists can also reach the pier and tower aboard the summer Trossachs Explorer bus service, which is operating for a second year. It runs until October 5 from Drymen to the south and Callander to the east, linking with buses from places such as Stirling and Glasgow, after carrying 5,000 passengers last year. The Sir Walter Scott steamship returned to cruising Loch Katrine in 2024 after an £850,000 overhaul | John Devlin/The Scotsman The steamship, which completed an £85,000 restoration in 2023, has been named one of four Flagships of the Year by National Historic Ships UK in recognition of its promotion of maritime heritage. The vessel has also been shortlisted for VisitScotland Thistle Awards for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience, and Inclusion. It operates three cruises a day until October 26. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad James Fraser, chief executive of Loch Katrine and a trustee of the Steamship Trust, said: 'Over the first year of the scenic tower and lookouts, we have welcomed visitors from all over the world and have been delighted with their reaction to the new attraction. 'Our vision has always been to celebrate the important cultural and natural heritage of this special place in an imaginative and sensitive way. 'From restoring the steamship to building the scenic tower and enhancing accessibility across the site, we've focused on sustainable, appealing and practical improvements. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We're proud to demonstrate how tourism can protect and showcase special landscapes while promoting rich cultural stories and delivering unforgettable experiences responsibly.'
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
These are our favourite eight Scottish gems of museums
Church Street, Cromarty, 11am-4pm In the town of Cromarty, on the Black Isle, history runs deep, in Hugh Miller's birthplace cottage the low roof and creaking floorboards create a sense of the weight of centuries passed. Tickets range from just £1 to £16 and provide access to both the Museum and the small, thatched cottage where Miller was born. Explore the interesting life of Hugh Miller and his varied career paths from folklorists to geologist while seeing fossils local to the north of Scotland and find out the story of mysterious ring See more at: The Scottish Witch Trial Museum, Leven Mitchell Street, across from The Caledonian Hotel. Open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am–4pm and weekends from 10:30am-4pm. Britain's first museum to focus on the dark past of the Scottish witch trials has 17th and 18th century items, manuscripts and torture devices from the witch hunts. The museum focuses on 175 years of witch hunting with exhibits on Pittenweem, St Monans, Largo, North Berwick and Paisley. See The Leighton Library claims to be Scotland's first purpose-built private library (Image: free) The Leighton Library, Dunblane The library stands at the cross, opposite the Dean's House and near Dunblane Cathedral. Open from the start of April to the start of October, from Monday to Saturday 11am-4pm The creaking floorboards and impressive collection of original books lining the walls of the library make it feel as though, for a moment, you have stepped back in time. It has a small but impressive collection, with Captain Cook books and a first edition copy of Sir Walter Scott's The Lady of the Lake. The helpful volunteers are happy to share their knowledge. Scotland's first purpose built private library was founded to hold the collection of Minister Robert Leighton and provides a valuable insight into the tumultuous history of Scotland at the time of King Charles II. See more at: St Fillan's Cave, Pittenweem Cove Wynd, 10am-5pm everyday Pittenweem embodies the cute coastal town vibe of the East Neuk of Fife and is home to the 1000-year-old St Fillian's Cave, getting its name from the 7th century Irish missionary St Fillian. To access the cave you can get the key from The Cocoa Tree Shop at £1 per person (plus a £10 deposit) which includes a descriptive leaflet. Once through the unassuming gate the cave stretches far back and has a stone altar, with modern day offerings from pennies to shortbread. In the still and peaceful atmosphere you can almost hear the lost prayers and murmurs of the past. The police museum tells the dramatic story of the return of the Stone of Destiny to Scotland (Image: Isobel Scott) Glasgow Police Museum First floor, 30 Bell Street, Glasgow. Monday-Saturday 10am-4.30pm and Sunday 12-4.30pm Climb a flight of stairs and you will find the Glasgow police museum, small but packed full of history, with friendly staff. The independent museum provides a detailed history of Britain's first police force from 1779 to 1975. The museum displays this interesting history through artifacts, pictures, stories and cases with old uniforms, medals and weapons. It also has an impressive international room where it has uniforms and insignia from every police force in the world. See more at: Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore Aultlarie Croft, Kingussie Rd, Newtonmore, 10am-5pm Just off the A9 you can step back in time to a Highland community through the ages and experience the lives of people through recreations of a school, homes, shops and more. Visitors are immersed in history from the smell of peat in the township cottages to dressed up actors. Unlike the others on our list, this is a huge 80-acre site and its beautiful setting allows for a walk through the pine forest to a highland township making it a great day out from history to nature. See Abertaff is the oldest house in Inverness (Image: Isobel Scott) Abertaff house, Inverness 71 Church Street, Inverness, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm The oldest house in Inverness gives a quick insight into the city in the 17th century. While much of the house is inaccessible, with two downstairs rooms open it is worth a visit if you are in the area, especially since admission is free. See Camera Obscura in Dumfries Museum, Dumfries Rotchell Road, Dumfries, Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 2pm-5pm The world's first camera obscura at the top of Dumfries museum's windmill tower was installed in 1836 and provides great views over Dumfries and surrounding countryside. One of Scotland's oldest museums it has a varied collection focusing on the land and people of the region, with artifacts dating back to pre-historic times. See more at:
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- 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.
