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This June, one of Scotland’s most beloved heritage attractions marks a remarkable milestone: the Steamship Sir Walter Scott celebrates 125 years since her maiden voyage on Loch Katrine. In honour of the anniversary, the team at Loch Katrine will host a weekend-long Steamboat Festival from 6th–8th June – a celebration that looks both to the past and the future of this iconic vessel.
Launched in 1900, the Steamship Sir Walter Scott is the last remaining passenger-carrying screw steamer in Scotland. Now fully restored and running on clean, sustainable fuel, she stands as a proud symbol of the Trossachs – a bridge between history and innovation, and a focal point of the newly launched Trossachs Trail, a 40-mile adventure route linking Aberfoyle, Callander, Doune, and Blair Drummond.
More than just a scenic cruise, the Steamship has long been a catalyst for tourism and rural regeneration across the region. Following her triumphant return to service in 2023, the Steamship has already made waves – boosting footfall to local cafés, B&Bs, visitor attractions and independent shops. Just last month, she was named Flagship of the Year 2025 by National Historic Ships UK – a fitting honour in her anniversary year.
The Steamboat Festival offers a lively mix of heritage and family fun. Highlights include Heritage Cruises with storytelling from ‘Captain MacKinnon’, Pirate Sailings, treasure hunts, traditional games, face painting, and music. Visitors can also enjoy model ships, a flotilla of steam launches, local food and drink, live entertainment, and a live Central FM broadcast on Saturday 8th June, 10am–2pm. 125 years on, the Steamship Sir Walter Scott is more than a vessel – she’s part of the soul of the Trossachs. This June, visitors are invited to step aboard, take in the scenery, and join in a very special celebration.
Find out more at www.lochkatrine.com
