This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Lifeline for Loch Katrine steamship
28/01/2005
A lifeline was today thrown to secure the long-term
future of the steamship Sir Walter Scott as a tourist
attraction in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National
Park.
Almost £500,000 has been made available over the next
two years to support the operation of the steamship that
was first launched on the inland Loch Katrine in 1899.
The funds will pay for emergency repairs to the ship,
the only surviving screw-driven steamer in Scotland, and
slipway and cover deficits in operating costs.
The SS Sir Walter Scott, to be managed from April 1 by a
charitable trust on behalf of its owners Scottish Water,
brings more than 80,000 visitors each year to Loch
Katrine.
It is estimated that operation of the tourist facilities
at the loch accounts for around 25 per cent of total
tourist days spent in the National Park.
Deputy Environment Minister Lewis Macdonald said:
"The SS Sir Walter Scott is one of Scotland's best known
visitor attractions bringing thousands of visitors to the
area each year.
"The steamer and the other facilities at Loch Katrine
are important to the economic and social life of the
Trossachs. This grant will provide short-term support to
the tourist facilities whilst longer-term plans are
made.
"I expect the charitable trust, which will take over the
running of the facilities at Loch Katrine, will be able to
develop a well-managed attraction offering an excellent
visitor experience.
"I am confident that this grant will help secure a
viable future for these popular facilities in the heart of
the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park."
£85,000 is awarded for 2005-06 to fund emergency repairs
that are needed to secure sailings in 2005.
A maximum of £200,000 per annum for 2005-06 and 2006-07
will cover any deficit that arises from operations.
Operations are expected to be financially viable from
2007-08 onwards.