Steamship Gears Up for 125th Celebration

A warm and sunny spring has brought a welcome surge in visitors to Loch Katrine, in the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, as plans are being finalised for a landmark celebration to mark the 125th anniversary of Steamship Sir Walter Scott which has sailed on the loch since 1900.

The much-loved Steamer, recently awarded ‘Flagship of the Year 2025’ by National Historic Ships UK, will mark a momentous occasion on Friday 6th June—the 125th anniversary of her maiden passenger voyage, which set sail on the same date in 1900. A recreation of that original

cruise will commemorate this historic milestone. In tribute to her enduring legacy, 125 local schoolchildren have been invited to join the voyage, officially launching the three-day Steamboat Festival, running from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th June at Trossachs Pier.

Visitor interest in Loch Katrine continues to grow, boosted by the introduction of a new scenic tower at the ‘Birthplace of Scottish Tourism’ above Trossachs Pier. Opened in late summer 2024, the scenic tower and lookouts are now accessible via a restored pathway, allowing visitors to once again enjoy the iconic Victorian panoramic vista. It was here in the early 1800s that Sir Walter Scott found inspiration to write ‘The Lady of the Lake’—a blockbuster poem that helped bring Loch Katrine and Scotland to international fame. Already, the tower has welcomed more than 20,000 visitors. This investment by the Steamship Trust has not only reopened one of Scotland’s most celebrated views but also helped preserve a site of exceptional cultural and natural significance for future generations.

James Fraser, CEO and Lead Trustee of Steamship Sir Walter Scott, said:

“This is a year of special celebration, legacy, and gratitude. Steamship Sir Walter Scott was saved for the nation thanks to the incredible generosity and determination of our supporters, and t’s hugely rewarding to have welcomed over 1 million visitors back on board following major restoration works 20 years ago and again a couple of years ago. The season has got off to a real flyer with record numbers enjoying cruises on the historic Steamship boosted greatly by a prolonged period of great weather. We’re especially excited about the upcoming Steamboat Festival, which promises a fantastic weekend for all ages. Highlights include pirate-themed cruises, a treasure hunt, face painting, costumed story-telling actors, a flotilla of steamboats and steam launches, live music, games, food and drink stalls, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. It’s shaping up to be a truly memorable way to mark 125 years of this much-loved vessel.”