Thousands pay tribute to Loch Katrine’s Historic Steamship at Steamboat Festival

Over the weekend at Loch Katrine, bumper crowds attended the Loch Katrine Steamboat Festival, to celebrate the remarkable milestone of 125 years sailing of The Steamship Sir Walter Scott, Scotland's oldest operating passenger Steamer.

The celebrations began on Friday, June 6, exactly 125 years to the day since the vessel's maiden passenger voyage. To honour the anniversary, 125 excited flag waving schoolchildren from Aberfoyle, Port of Menteith and Callander Primary Schools were joined by musicians from McLaren High School in Callander and enjoyed a recreation of the inaugural cruise in 1900, setting the scene for a weekend of family fun packed heritage activities on the loch and onshore.

For two decades the Sir Walter Scott has been the responsibility of a charitable trust created to protect and preserve the iconic Steamship for public enjoyment. Over one million passengers have sailed on her during those 20 years.

To mark the incredible legacy of the Steamship, built in 1899, a new informative book charting her fascinating history, authored by Clyde-built ship experts Iain Quinn and Dr. Colin Smith, was published to coincide with the anniversary. The authors appropriately presented the first copy to special guest Dr Heather Reid, Convenor of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. As part of their remit the National Park is charged with promoting the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Also marking the occasion, the first in a limited-edition bottle of Steamship Sir Walter Scott 125th Anniversary whisky, produced by The Clydeside Distillery who source their water from Loch Katrine, was handed over by Steamship Trust Chair, Professor Paul Jowitt, to Rt Hon Bruce Crawford, former local MSP and a key supporter of the Steamship, whose intervention and support helped secure £1 million to ensure her safe transfer to the charitable trust and subsequent restoration.

A highlight of the proceedings came when John Megoran of the National Historic Ships UK Council presented a special flag celebrating the Steamship's designation as UK Flagship of the Year 2025, which was received and raised on the ship's mast by two of the Steamer's custodians and long-standing captains, Gordon Allan and Ken Henderson.

At the flag presentation ceremony presentation, John Megoran said: ''The National Historic Ships UK Council members agreed The Steamship Sir Walter Scott deserved the accolade of UK Historic Flagship of the Year due to the commitment of the Steamship Trust, employees and supporters preserving what is a unique national maritime heritage asset for public enjoyment and for celebrating the 125th Steamship anniversary in an appropriate way with a 3 day Steamboat Festival.''

Ken Morrison from Callander, who at the age of 14 was a deckhand on the Steamship back in 1947, was also presented with a special bottle of Auld Steamie whisky to mark his almost 80-year association with the Steamship.

There was a lively festival atmosphere throughout the weekend, with a flotilla of mini steamboats that had travelled from across the UK sailing around the loch in honour of the occasion. Families participated in popular Rob Roy Smuggler pirate cruises with a treasure hunt hosted by costumed pirates. Classic Steamship Cruises with live music on board provided by local bands were popular and visitors of all ages enjoyed the impressive remote-controlled Clyde-built steamer displays in the bay, and local food and drink tastings and participated in traditional games and activities.

James Fraser, CEO and Lead Trustee of the Steamship Trust, said:

"The Steamboat Festival celebrating the 125th anniversary of such an important national maritime treasure has been a great success. The response from the public has been fantastic. People have connected with the story of the Steamship in such a meaningful way. It's heartening to see families, enthusiasts, and first-time visitors enjoying Loch Katrine and all that the Steamship represents.

This 125th anniversary is not just a milestone in years; it's a tribute to this remarkable Steamship's legacy and the passion and commitment of Trustees, staff and specialist trades, past and present, to preserve the vessel and ensure its resilience for the future and public enjoyment."

The Steamship continues to sail three times a day during her anniversary year until the end of October, and throughout the year, there are daily cruises on Loch Katrine's Lady of the Lake cruise boat.