Eco Tourism Boost at Popular Trossachs Visitor Attraction

Eco-conscious travellers can now visit Loch Katrine in the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park by electric car (EV), safe in the knowledge that they have access to newly installed EV chargers in the car and coach parks at either end of the loch.

As part of ongoing investment to enhance visitor facilities and position Loch Katrine as a more sustainable, low-carbon destination, the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust has installed nine charge points, including one suitable for electric buses. The project has been supported with financial assistance from the Scottish Government-backed Energy Savings Trust’s Rural Fund.

Loch Katrine is home to the historic Steamship Sir Walter Scott, which has introduced hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area’s natural beauty on scenic cruises for more than 125 years.

Eco-Friendly Steamship

The Steamship also makes a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions, having operated on environmentally friendly biofuel for the past 20 years following conversion from coal-fired boilers.

Steamship Trust CEO and Lead Trustee James Fraser said: “As part of our continual efforts to improve visitor facilities and the overall quality of the Loch Katrine experience, we have been keen for some time to cater for the growing number of visitors arriving in electric vehicles. This has only recently been possible following major investment in site infrastructure, the introduction of the latest generation of EV chargers and the availability of 100% Scottish Government backed grants designed to strengthen the rural charging network.”

He added: “We are delighted to be making a positive contribution to creating a more eco-friendly and low-carbon visitor destination within the National Park. We intend to build on this further with additional initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint and raise awareness of the special natural heritage qualities of Loch Katrine.”

Among those initiatives is the development of Scotland’s Rainforest Nature Trail, linking to the site above Trossachs Pier recognised as the Birthplace of Scottish Tourism, where visitors can enjoy the award-winning Scenic Tower and Lookouts overlooking the landscape that inspired Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake.