At the recent VisitScotland Expo travel trade event in Glasgow, the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Company Launched a much expanded cruising schedule for 2018/19.

Sailings on either the Steamship Sir Walter Scott or Lady of the Lake cruise ships are being increased by over 50% and are now available on a daily basis throughout the year and with increased frequency during the period April to October.

A series of shorter 45 minute cruises are also being introduced to cater for the growing number group tour organisers offering year round National Park highlight day tours on time pressured itineraries.

As part of a wider investment package The Steamship Company has recently taken the operation of the re-branded Steamship Café at Trossachs Pier in house where the seating capacity has been increased to 90 covers to cater for group and independent travel business more effectively.

A major investment has also been made in developing a new Eco Camp with a mixture of eco lodges, motorhome hook ups and camping pitches on the shores of the Loch Katrine with funding support from Forth Valley & Lomond LEADER programme.

Gordon Allan, Managing Director of the Steamship Company said: ‘’We are now gearing up to developing Loch Katrine as a major year round destination in the heart of the National Park and the Great Trossachs National Nature Reserve with a major step change in the breadth and appeal of our offers.

’’We now offer over 2,300 sailings on the historic Steamship Sir Walter Scott or the MV Lady of the Lake annually, improved cafe facilities and new overnight accommodation.’’

VisitScotland Chairman, Lord Thurso said: ‘’I am delighted to launch the new sailing  programme at Loch Katrine and congratulate the Steamship Company on their commitment to developing year round tourism in such an iconic location in close proximity to the major conurbations of Glasgow and Edinburgh where visitors are increasingly looking for ideas for day trips for the growing number of international and domestic visitors visiting Scotland in off peak periods.’’

He added: ‘’The other investments at Loch Katrine are welcome too and should greatly strengthen the appeal of this destination which is arguably where Scottish tourism began with the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s blockbuster poem, The Lady of the Lake in 1810.’’

For further information please visit www.lochkatrine.com or tel 01877 332002.