Sir Walter Scott is Back! Full Steam Ahead for Historic Steamship on Loch Katrine - Nature's Wonderland

The 126-year-old Steamship Sir Walter Scott has returned to service for the season on Loch Katrine following a major annual winter overhaul, sailing daily until late October alongside MV Lady of the Lake or MV Rob Roy 111.

The much-loved steamer, named after Scotland’s most celebrated literary figure, offers visitors the chance to experience classic steamship cruises in the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve.

Until work is completed next week on the storm damaged pier at Stronachlachar, there will be daily circular Steamship cruises. 

When the pier is reopened this will give passengers the option to enjoy a full return cruise or combine their sailing with a cycle or walk on the scenic road that winds its way along the shoreline of Loch Katrine. 

For cyclists of all abilities, this is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest outdoor experiences, with a peaceful, traffic-free route set against a stunning landscape rich in natural beauty and cultural history.

Originally built on the River Clyde in 1899, Steamship Sir Walter Scott has a remarkable story. After construction, she was transported in sections by barge along the River Leven and up Loch Lomond, before being hauled the final five miles overland by horses to reach Loch Katrine, where she was re-assembled and launched in 1900.

Visitors can explore this unique history further at a dedicated multi-sensory exhibition at Trossachs Pier, where the story of steamships on Loch Katrine and the loch's role as the main source of Glasgow's water supply is brought to life.

Scenic Beauty & Romance

Above the pier and overlooking the loch is the award-winning scenic tower and viewpoint that inspired Sir Walter Scott to write The Lady of the Lake, his internationally celebrated poem published in 1810. The work tells the story of Ellen Douglas, who lived in exile on a Loch Katrine island, and her encounters with a disguised King James V, blending romance, clan conflict and Highland landscapes into a narrative that captured the magic of this special place.

Scott’s vivid descriptions of the dramatic Trossachs landscapes and romantic stories helped establish Loch Katrine as a must-visit destination, earning it recognition as the Birthplace of Scottish Tourism and today, visitors can experience this same view from the scenic tower and lookouts above Trossachs Pier. Now in its second full year, the tower has already welcomed more than 50,000 people, bringing many new visitors to the popular Trossachs attraction.

James Fraser, CEO and Lead Trustee of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust, told That's Books and More: “It's remarkable the historic Steamship has been offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy scenic cruises on Loch Katrine since 1900 and is still powered by the original engine built in 1899.

"The Steamship is being lovingly preserved under the umbrella of a charitable trust with dedicated trustees and skilled staff for the benefit of the nation and public enjoyment.

"It’s strong connection with the public and the pure waters of the loch, which are the main source of Glasgow's water supply, has allowed her to endure, and we hope that this will be another busy season following a bumper 2025 when the steamship celebrated a milestone 125th anniversary.

"Her accessibility enables everyone, including those with restricted mobility to enjoy these classic cruises, and we are always delighted to see the joy she brings to visitors from home and abroad.”

Loch Katrine offers up to 10 cruises of varying duration from 45 minutes to 2 hours each day, with an option of a Freedom Ticket to enable visitors to stay and explore the lochside for longer. At Trossachs Pier there are 10 eco lodges, cycle hire, a gift shop and the scenic tower. There are cafés and motorhome and campervan hook-up pitches at both Trossachs and Stronachlachar Piers.

https://www.lochkatrine.com

Scotland's Oldest Heritage Charity Launches Global £1.5m Campaign Against the Clock

Scotland’s oldest heritage organisation has launched a £1.5 million campaign to secure a permanent home in Edinburgh ahead of its 250th anniversary.  

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland works to ensure Scotland's past is for everyone to research, share, enjoy and protect, across the UK.

Yet it currently operates from an inaccessible top-floor flat within the National Museum of Scotland complex, limiting its ability to engage with the public and collaborate across the sector.

The proposed heritage hub would establish Scotland’s first national heritage hub. Here, academics, visitors and anyone curious about Scotland's past can explore their heritage and engage directly with the work of protecting Scotland's history.

The Society is seeking to purchase a building which sits within the historic southern gateway area to Edinburgh, part of a cultural quarter which attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. The building is offered at a fixed price of £2.1 million until January 2027.

Founded in 1780 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1783, the Society is Scotland's oldest heritage charity. Its early Fellows contributed collections that formed the foundation of the National Museum of Scotland's Scottish history and archaeology galleries. Today, the Society facilitates research and innovation through grants and awards, advocates as a voice for heritage, and shares knowledge through a multifaceted programme of lectures and resources.

The Society is contributing £600,000 from its own investments and must raise the remaining £1.5 million by January 2027 to secure the opportunity.  

The campaign carries particular significance as the Society approaches its 250th anniversary in 2030, marking a quarter millennium of scholarship and research.    

Diana Murray CBE HonFSAScot, President of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, told That's Books and More: "For centuries, this small corner of Edinburgh has been a gateway to Scotland's past.

"We now have a rare and time-sensitive opportunity to secure this building and open our doors properly for the first time in our modern history, ensuring Scotland's past belongs to everyone, at home and across the world." 

Dr Simon Gilmour FSAScot, Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland told us: "This is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime alignment of opportunity, affordability and historic significance. 

"The building sits at the very heart of Edinburgh's cultural quarter, beside the National Museum of Scotland, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in an area attracting over ten million visitors a year. We invite everyone who cares about Scotland's past to help us secure it.” 

Professor Elizabeth Ewan FSAScot, Professor Emerita of Scottish Studies and History, University of Guelph, Ontario, who has been a Fellow since 1985, added: "From Canada I have seen first-hand how deeply Scotland's history runs in people across the world. 

"The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland has been at the heart of Scottish historical scholarship for nearly 250 years, connecting researchers and heritage enthusiasts across the globe. A permanent home would transform what the Society can offer to that global community." 

How to Support the Campaign 

A Primary Donor giving £1 million or more may name the building, with their name, coat of arms or corporate logo displayed on the exterior. 

Gold Donors giving £200,000 or more will have their name, coat of arms or corporate logo displayed in the boardroom. In doing so, each major donor will be inscribed into Scotland's story and become a part of the nation's history.

Qualifying donors who do not already hold a coat of arms will be supported by the Society in preparing a petition for a grant of arms to the Lord Lyon King of Arms. All petitions are assessed independently by Lord Lyon on their individual merits. 

Donors of £10,000 or more will join the 21st-Century Founding Circle, with access to exclusive events, both in person and online, as well as regular updates regarding the Society's research and projects and will be recognised on a dedicated honour roll within the building. Donors of £2,000 or more will be welcomed into The Antiquaries Circle and also enjoy a tailored programme of events.

All donors will also be recognised in a special edition of the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, the Society’s peer-reviewed journal which has been published since 1851. Gifts of any size are warmly welcomed, and every contribution brings the Society closer to securing this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

To donate or discuss a major gift, visit www.socantscot.org/heritagehub or contact Deborah Roe, Head of Fundraising, at deborah@socantscot.org

The associated illustrations are artist's impressions.

'Together | Apart' - Upcoming Exhibition by Neuk Collective

Neuk Collective is proud to present "Together | Apart", a mixed media exhibition at Project Ability, Glasgow, opening 18 April 2026 (Private view on 23 April).

Bringing together work by members of Neuk Collective from across Scotland, Together | Apart explores experiences of separation and connection, and the ways these can exist simultaneously. 

Artists were invited to reflect on what it means to be both distinct and interwoven: separated by geography but connected through shared experience, identity and community.

Established in 2020, Neuk Collective is a neurodivergent-led initiative supporting and platforming neurodivergent artists across Scotland. What began with just four artists at its first exhibition in 2021 has grown into a network of over 250 neurodivergent creatives. 

Through exhibitions, workshops, advocacy and peer support, Neuk works to dismantle barriers in the arts and create spaces where neurodivergent artists can thrive.

Neuk is honoured to collaborate with Project Ability, an organisation with decades of work, including platforming and advocating for disabled artists. 

Together | Apart reflects a shared commitment to inclusive practice and artist-led collaboration. Neuk Collective is grateful to Project Ability for their gallery space and in-kind support throughout this project.

The exhibition showcases a wide range of media, including textiles, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, video and sound. The result is a moving and diverse exploration of belonging, distance, interdependence and individuality.

Private View: 23rd April, 6-8pm.

Exhibition Dates: April 18 - May 23, 2026

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11 AM – 5 PM

Venue: Project Ability Gallery, Trongate 103, Glasgow

Accessibility

Accessibility is central to Neuk Collective’s practice. The exhibition includes:

Ear defenders and sensory supports such as stim toys

Easy Read exhibition interpretation

Closed captions for all video content

A Visual Story available in advance to help visitors familiarise themselves with the space

Neuk Collective is grateful to Creative Scotland for supporting this exhibition.

doorinthewall.co.uk

The work used in the exhibition flyer is ‘He Visits In My Dreams’ by Isabella Luciani and ‘Connections’ by Grant Glennie.

“We are delighted to bring ‘Together | Apart’ to Project Ability,” Tzipporah Johnston, founder of Neuk Collective told That's Books and More.

“Neuk began as a small group of neurodivergent artists looking for connection. Today, we are a growing national network. This exhibition reflects both our differences and our deep interconnection, and shows what becomes possible when neurodivergent artists are supported to create on their own terms.

"Together | Apart feels like an exciting development for Neuk Collective’, said curator, Amy Milner. ‘Our previous two exhibitions have focused primarily on our identity as a neurodivergent collective. Together | Apart moves beyond this, yes, we are still vocal and proud to be showcasing neurodivergent talent, but this time we have deliberately chosen a theme that doesn’t focus on identity. Neurodivergent and disabled perspectives are relevant and important, not only on issues of accessibility and inclusion, but in all broader cultural conversations."

"I am delighted to be bringing the brilliant work of Neuk collective into the space with Project Ability,' said producer Naomi Walmsley. ‘The exhibit theme immediately spoke to me on many levels about the power of a community, the place of the individual and how we experience the world, wherever our brains may take us. The diversity of pieces in the exhibition both reflects these multiple dimensions and makes for a gorgeous viewing experience."

A spokesperson told That's Books and More: "We invite the whole community - and especially neurodivergent people and their friends, families and supporters - to join us for this exhibition showcasing the vibrancy of Scotland’s neurodivergent artist community.

For more information and a list of the artists who are featured please visit https://neukcollective.co.uk/exhibition