Steamship Sir Walter Scott

Steamship Sir Walter Scott sailing on Loch Katrine

The Steamship Sir Walter Scott, a true icon of Scotland’s maritime heritage, marks its 125th anniversary in 2025, and this updated guide celebrates her incredible milestone and provides information to help you plan a cruise in this special year. I’ll update it with pictures and news throughout the year, so keep checking back.

A cruise on this historic steamer is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, blending history, natural beauty, and adventure into one unforgettable journey. While you can explore more about the complete Loch Katrine attraction in a separate guide, here, we focus on the fascinating history of the Steamship and her 2025 sailing schedule, as well as helpful information about accessibility and other information to help plan your cruise.

Having the privilege of working closely with the dedicated team at the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust for marketing, photography, and PR has given me a deep appreciation for this vessel’s enduring legacy. I’ve enjoyed countless sailings and delved into her rich history, uncovering the stories and moments that make her so unique. Along the way, I’ve captured a wealth of photographs and videos, and I’m excited to share some of them in this guide, helping bring her story to life and inspire your next visit.

Loch Katrine’s Literary Connection

Loch Katrine boasts rich literary connections that have captivated writers and readers for centuries. Sir Walter Scott, who the steamer was named after, immortalised the loch in his 1810 narrative poem, The Lady of the Lake, which brought the dramatic landscapes of the Trossachs to international fame and sparked the beginnings of Scottish tourism. Romantic poet John Keats visited the loch in 1818, penning vivid descriptions of its serene beauty in his letters, which inspired his poetic reflections on nature and the sublime. Meanwhile, William and Dorothy Wordsworth, key figures of the Romantic movement, were enchanted by the loch during their travels in Scotland in 1803. Dorothy’s travel journal paints a picture of Loch Katrine’s tranquillity. At the same time, William’s poetry echoes the awe evoked by its majestic scenery, tying the loch forever to this golden era of Romantic literature.

Steamship Sir Walter Scott, constructed in 1899

Steamship Sir Walter Scott was built in 1899 at William Denny & Bros. in Dumbarton for £4,269. After completing its trials on the River Clyde, the vessel was dismantled and transported to Loch Katrine in a complex and costly process. The journey involved barges navigating the River Leven and Loch Lomond and horse-drawn wagons hauling the ship’s sections overland to Stronachlachar, where it was reassembled and launched in 1900.

Restoration and Renewal

In 2023, the Steamship Sir Walter Scott resumed operations after an extensive £850,000 restoration. This ambitious project, funded by public donations and grants from organisations such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund, replaced the ship’s damaged boilers and made essential repairs. The restoration also focused on sustainability, enabling the Steamship to run on greener fuels and reduce CO2 emissions.

Accessibility was a key priority, with modifications ensuring that wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility could comfortably enjoy the vessel. Visitors can also enjoy a new exhibition at Trossachs Pier, showcasing the fascinating history of over 180 years of steamships on Loch Katrine.

Experiences on Board

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene escape, a cruise on the Sir Walter Scott is an unforgettable experience. Offering one-hour and two-hour cruises from Trossachs Pier, this historic steamship takes passengers through Loch Katrine’s stunning landscapes. With live commentary from the captain, guests can learn about the ship’s fascinating construction, the loch’s rich natural beauty, and tales of historical figures like Rob Roy MacGregor.

The Steamship provides indoor and outdoor seating, allowing visitors to comfortably relax while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glens, and forests. A fully licensed bar onboard serves drinks, perfect for unwinding during your journey. Practical amenities include onboard toilets, with accessible facilities ensuring everyone can enjoy their time on the water.

It’s heartwarming to meet people worldwide who hold such affection for Sir Walter Scott, sharing stories and creating new memories during their sailings. It’s been good to see those visitors with limited mobility be able to effortlessly board the ship and enjoy their sailing.

2025 Steamship Sir Walter Scott Sailing Times

Daily timetable from 29/3/25 to 26/10/25

A 2-hour Steamship cruise from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar departs at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. Take your bike on board (or hire one on-site) and cycle back along the 14-mile, smooth, quiet, lochside road. Departs Stronachlachar for Trossachs Pier at 11.30am & 3.30pm. Booking one-way tickets, returns, or a freedom return is possible.

A 1-hour circular Steamship cruise departs Trossachs Pier at 1 pm.

Cruise and Cycle Combination at Loch Katrine

Combine the best of land and water by taking a scenic steamship cruise on Loch Katrine and cycling back to Trossachs Pier, a fantastic way to experience this stunning part of Scotland. The lochside road, stretching 13 miles, is a smooth and well-maintained route that winds along the tranquil waters and through the breathtaking Trossachs scenery. To make the experience even easier, Katrine Wheelz at Trossachs Pier offers a range of bikes for hire, including electric bikes (e-bikes) for those who want extra assistance on the way back.

Pair your cycling adventure with a cruise on Sir Walter Scott's historic steamship or the Lady of the Lake. Book your Loch Katrine cruise online and enjoy the unique perspective of the loch’s dramatic landscapes from the water.

View from the Scenic Tower

New Attractions at Trossachs Pier

In addition to the Steamship cruises, Trossachs Pier offers a range of attractions for visitors. The new Scenic Tower provides breathtaking views of Loch Katrine and the surrounding Highlands. The tower is at the site where Sir Walter Scott was inspired in 1809 to write his famous poem The Lady of the Lake. You can use the Steamship timetable above to time a visit to the tower so you can see/photograph the Steamship sailing out or returning to the pier.

The multi-media exhibition on the Story of Steamships at Loch Katrine is within the covered walkway. It offers an immersive journey through the history of Loch Katrine’s steamships, with displays that include audio dramatisations, historical pictures and a tactile wooden model of Sir Walter Scott, with braille interpretation for visually impaired visitors.

The Legacy of the MacKinnon Clan

The exhibition also celebrates the human stories behind the Steamship, including the contributions of the MacKinnon family, who played a pivotal role in its history. Captain John MacKinnon, the first skipper of the Sir Walter Scott, served until he died in 1939. His son, Donald, succeeded him, and both men left an indelible mark on the vessel’s legacy.

During World War I, John’s daughter Rachel steered the Steamship and later eloped with a U.S. serviceman she met on board. In World War II, Donald’s daughter Helen cleverly hid the vessel by camouflaging it among the islands to protect it from German bombers. The exhibition brings these tales of resilience and ingenuity to life, ensuring that the MacKinnon family’s legacy endures.

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Wildlife and Scenic Splendour

Loch Katrine is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The loch and surrounding areas, part of Scotland’s first National Park, are home to golden eagles, red squirrels, and ospreys. Spring and summer cruises often feature sightings of ospreys soaring overhead or nesting nearby.

The loch’s landscapes are equally captivating, with landmarks like Ellen’s Isle and Brenachoile Point adding charm. These scenic spots have inspired generations of artists, writers, and filmmakers, with Brenachoile Point appearing in an Outlander episode. This rich history and nature is brought to life with live commentary by the Steamship’s knowledgeable captains.

Sailing past Royal Cottage

Loch Katrine: Glasgow’s Water Supply

The pure waters of Loch Katrine are the source of Glasgow’s pure, clean water supply. Since 1859, the loch has played a vital role in the city’s health and development, thanks to the construction of the innovative Loch Katrine Aqueduct. This Victorian engineering marvel uses gravity to transport water over 26 miles to Glasgow, ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply. The project was officially opened by Queen Victoria, marking a transformative moment in public health for the city. To dive deeper into the fascinating history of the aqueduct and its impact, read our detailed feature here. On the two-hour sailings, you will cruise past the waterworks site and see Royal Cottage, built for Queen Victoria’s visit.

Supporting a National Treasure

A dedicated charitable trust preserves the Steamship Sir Walter Scott for future generations. All profits from the Loch Katrine/Steamship’s operations are reinvested in its maintenance and the preservation of Loch Katrine’s unique heritage. Visitors can further support this effort through donations, ensuring that this iconic vessel continues to sail for years to come.

The Full Range of Loch Katrine Guides

This See Loch Lomond website features many helpful guides to help you make the most of your visit to Loch Katrine, and I’ve linked to them all here:

Start with the main guide, which covers the full range of activities and experiences. For a deeper dive, explore Stronachlachar and its tranquil charm, or learn about the Victorian waterworks opened by Queen Victoria in 1859. Discover the Roderick Dhu Path, complete with a viewpoint and Scenic Tower, or immerse yourself in the history of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott with timetables and fascinating details. Plan a scenic drive along the Trossachs Trail, a 40-mile route that takes in Loch Katrine, and delve into the life and legacy of Rob Roy MacGregor, the legendary figure born at Loch Katrine. These guides offer everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.

Have a wonderful visit to Loch Katrine, and let me know about your time in one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs in the comments below.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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