Scenic Tower is Highly Commended at Nature of Scotland Awards
Photograph by Mike Wilkinson
The Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust has paid tribute to the many local community groups and individuals whose strong, proactive support helped secure the hard-won planning approval for the Scenic Tower at the viewpoint, long credited as the Birthplace of Scottish Tourism.
Their backing was instrumental in turning an ambitious idea into a celebrated addition to the Trossachs Pier Visitor Hub at Loch Katrine. Last week, the initiative was formally recognised when the imaginative and sensitively developed Scenic Tower & Lookouts, perched above Trossachs Pier, were Highly Commended at the RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards.
The project was selected from six finalists in the Nature Tourism Award category at the prestigious ceremony, held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and hosted by BBC Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams and BBC Scotland Landward presenter Arlene Stuart.
The accolade comes during a remarkable first 15 months for the Scenic Tower, during which visitor numbers have exceeded 40,000. Opened officially by VisitScotland Chair, Stephen Leckie OBE, in August 2024, the three-storey tower and lookouts have rapidly become one of the most popular viewpoints in the Trossachs, capturing the public's imagination.
“We’re delighted to receive a Highly Commended Award,” said James Fraser, CEO and Lead Trustee of the Steamship Trust. “This project celebrates the very birthplace of Scottish tourism in a way that protects and enhances its natural and cultural significance. It’s been a privilege to reconnect tens of thousands of visitors with such stunning panoramic views that Sir Walter Scott described in his blockbuster poem The Lady of the Lake in 1810 as ‘the scenery of a fairy dream.’ This award is the icing on the cake of a momentous year, with celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the Steamship and its own award as Flagship of the Year from National Historic Ships UK.”
Thoughtfully designed and built with the use of a helicopter to minimise the impact on the natural surroundings, the tower and lookouts offer dramatic vistas over Loch Katrine and the surrounding hills and mountains. A short path allows people of all ages to reach the elevated viewpoint, reconnecting today's visitors with the iconic site that inspired Walter Scott’s poem and helped launch Scotland’s tourism industry more than 200 years ago.
Visitors have also been fascinated by the site’s cultural stories, from Walter Scott's Hail to the Chief, which has been used as the American Presidential Anthem for around 200 years, and his influence on famous composer, Schubert who was inspired to write Ave Maria after reading Lady of the Lake, to tales of Rob Roy MacGregor, whose fellow clan chief Roderick Dhu used this very viewpoint to warn him of approaching Redcoat soldiers when he was outlawed.
The Scenic Tower, lookouts and path link were made possible through a project costing almost £500,000, supported by grants from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) via Stirling Council and managed by VisitScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
“There are exciting plans for the year ahead,” added James Fraser. “Research has confirmed that the wooded glen leading up to the Scenic Tower is a remnant of Scotland’s Rainforest, and we are now preparing plans to introduce a Rainforest Nature Trail along the existing link path to help visitors connect more deeply with the rich natural heritage features found here. We look forward to offering a memorable and interactive experience that helps to increase visitor understanding and appreciation of this special place.”
