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Friday, 5th September 2008

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In praise of Katrine cruise



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I was surprised that such a patently nice person as Bill Jamieson should write such a critical description of his cruise on the Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine (Between the Lines, 24 June).
David Muir (Letters, 5 July) gave a clear explanation of the problems he faces in providing such a welcome tourist attraction for thousands of visitors every year. A stalwart of the community, Mr Muir deserves praise not criticism.

(BRIG) FRANK COUTTS
Oswald Road
Edinburgh



The full article contains 83 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 06 July 2008 8:18 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Dr. James Wilkie,

Vienna 07/07/2008 01:14:17
The Sir Walter Scott is a major asset to the Scottish tourist trade. It provides an aesthetic experience that could not be delivered by any diesel-powered excursion boat. I never miss having a sail when I am in the vicinity. I had a similar experience last year when I cruised on the River Elbe on a 110-year-old paddle steamer. You couldn't build such vessels now at anything resembling an economic price.

Where action is definitely needed is on the deplorable state of the roads around Loch Katrine. Some months ago I was lucky to get my car to Stronachlachar and back without breaking anything.

And when is there going to be some concerted action towards getting the Maid of the Loch back into service on Loch Lomond? The present group of volunteers cannot do it all without some kind of official support. It is unthinkable that this magnificent vessel should not be preserved and utilised, for we will not see its like again.

2

Upbeat,

07/07/2008 09:58:19
Dr Wilkie , perhaps inadvertantly , raises an interesting thought .

In Switzerland it is possible to cruise extensively on the Lake of Lucerne in local ferry/excursion boats. One such trip includes an ascent by cable car of the adjacent peak Pilatus , a decent by cogwheel railway to the lakeside and a return to Lucerne by steamer. A great day out.

An example of tourist infrastructure that generates wealth for the area.

Now where are the entrepreneurs that are capable of matching this in Scotland ? Starting in Balloch, by steamer up loch Lomond to Inversnaid ,break in teh hotel ? bus to Stronachlachar ? and then MV Sir Walter Scott back to the Loch Katrine pier. Coach to Aberfoyle and on back to Balloch. A great day out. ?
3

Alec M,

Falkirk 07/07/2008 12:32:05
Excellent comments from both.

However, #2, forgive a small niggle. The Sir Walter Scott is powered by steam, generated by boilers (fired by bio-fuel since 2007), and is therefore SS Sir Walter Scott.

Before WWII my mother, born in 1906, enjoyed (I think, a four-loch) cruise, much as you describe, certainly involving Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond.
4

Upbeat,

07/07/2008 13:10:35
#3 Of course. my apologies.

I recall also watching, through the engine room skylight , the delight of the triple expansion engine in the SS King George V on the day excursion around Mull, calling at Tobermory, Staffa and Iona.

If we take a leaf and learn from the attractions that no longer exist we will have a great future for visitors to Scotland to enjoy. The Fort William -Mallaig Jacobite steam train is a case in point.....seasonally the most profitable section of line anywhere in Britain...they say !
5

Alec M,

Falkirk 07/07/2008 20:45:21
#4 - If you read this, please allow a small trip down "memory lane". In Oban in the early 60s - I had just taken up 35mm photography - I "snapped" the, by then, elderly lady, KGV. She was taken scrapped soon after. In 1955 with my parents I made my first visit to Kintyre, staying overnight in Inveraray. The following morning, at the pier at Ardrishaig, there lay the "St. Columba", with her three funnels, painted in the colours MacBrayne and Cunard shared, looking like the "Queen Mary".

 

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