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Faded grandeur



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Published Date: 05 July 2008
While Bill Jamieson was correct on several issues concerning his cruise on steamship Sir Walter Scott, he has been economical with the truth on other issues (Between the Lines, 24 June).
I have been employed on SS Sir Walter Scott for 11 years and on the day in question I was aboard as master. I do apologise for the late departure from Trossachs Pier, and the fact that the tannoy was too loud and that SS Sir Walter Scott looks shabb
y in certain areas.

SS Sir Walter Scott was built in 1899 and has sailed on Loch Katrine for 109 years. Eighteen months ago we were informed that she required major surgery to bring her up to the standard of present-day passenger vessels. The odds were stacked against us and all credit must be given to our directors, who, against the odds, were able to put the recovery plan into action to secure the "Grand Old Lady" for the foreseeable future.

On the day in question the inspector from the Maritime Coastguard Agency arrived to carry out final sea trials and inspection before issuing the coveted passenger certificate. Quite understandably, this was a rigorous inspection which led to delays in our sailings schedule.

The vessel has had all major structural refurbishment completed. However, she still needs to be smartened up in a number of areas. This will not happen until the end of the sailing season.

Sad to say that in today's current financial climate we do not have a hidden pot of gold to turn her into a vessel of Victorian splendour. I note that Bill Jamieson had little to say about his visit to Loch Katrine and this saddens me.

Our general manager continually makes all staff aware that we operate in a tourist environment, and, to this end, all staff are indoctrinated that the general public are our bread and butter and, as such, should be treated with courtesy and made to feel they are very welcome guests to our environment.

I would like to invite Bill Jamieson along again for the start of the 2009 season, when he should be able to see a marked improvement.

DAVID MUIR
Gentlecroft
Braco, Perthshire



The full article contains 368 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 04 July 2008 8:47 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

rpb,

05/07/2008 07:59:38
Above is exactly the problem with Scotland screwing tourists for a lot of money with a poor quality product in return.

We have a rubbish climate, it is relatively expensive, and customer/visitors are generally treated with contempt.
2

Upbeat,

05/07/2008 09:16:24
A valuable letter from a person who knows exactly how difficult it has been to preserve the Sir Walter Scott, on Loch Katrine. This shouold have been unnecessary , but became essential to counter a negative image of the vessel and its operators set out in an earlier Scotsman article.

Scotland needs self belief. We all know that there are those including poster #1 who appear to take delight in rubbishing Scottish life and its people, and have little better to do than attack all and every effort to improve standards in this country ...and for what purpose ?

And what is this about rubbish weather ?

People visit Scotland and others enjoy living here precisely because it is as it is : sometimes windy , sometimes a bit wet, frequently sunny, occasionally obscured by haar or breezy with mist on the hills.

Scotland remains the only land in Europe with such iconic Natural heritage, huge and diverse scenery and intricate social and economic history. A coat of paint or lack of it changes nothing.

It would not be Scotland without this huge variety of scenery, weather, and ancient and modern atractions ...now would it ?

Does
3

HEN BROON 5,

ALBA being held back by the UK 05/07/2008 23:54:32
I read Bill Jamiesons letter and found it a tad sneering. He seemed to be striving to make some link to, "the future," if he was hoping to score some political points he failed. Any faded paint work or unvarnished handrails surely cannot be added to the unionist gripe list of broken SNP promises.

The reply from David Muir who I recently spoke to tells us that there has been a massive effort put in to ensure "the future," of this grand old lady on Loch Katrine. The fact that they failed to secure Lottery money for what seems a spurious reason made it even more difficult.

As a skipper myself who has worked on passenger vessels, I know how traumatic it is to commission a vessel after refits and jump through all the hoops required for MCA licensing.

I'm afraid if Mr.Jameson had stuck his head into my engine room during a time like this he would not have been met with much conviviality, as when things are not going to plan the last thing you need is a nosy parker.

Loch Katrine and the Sir Walter Scott are a magnificent advert for Scotland. The fact that this vessel has had it's future secured and will doubtless be bright and shiny and safe has to be applauded not sneered at and portrayed in some negative political way. Mr. Jameson appears to be suffering from seasonal unionist negativity disorder.

ALBA GU BRATH.



 

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