Sir Walter Scott’s ample awning provided rain-cover during the stopover at Stronachlachar: everyone was in high spirits as we explored one of Scotland’s most romantic lochs. The steamer’s skipper, Ken Henderson (in cap), stands second left
On Saturday 13 September, members and friends of CRSC had the pleasure of a special charter sailing on the historic steamship Sir Walter Scott. The excursion on Loch Katrine was organised to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the vessel’s entry into service: this year she is ‘Flagship of the Year’, an honour conferred by National Historic Ships UK.
Longstanding Club member Walter Bowie reflects on a day that was full of pleasant surprises — one of which was the ship’s remarkable ability to shield everyone on deck from the rain. Photographs © Hamish Bowie, Andrew Clark and Graeme Hogg.
The weather, writes Walter Bowie, was not particularly good — bright spells interspersed with showers — but everyone who took part was able to enjoy the magnificent scenery on the road journey to Loch Katrine through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. On our arrival at Trossachs Pier, the unspoilt shores of Loch Katrine and the surrounding hills looked as romantically alluring as they evidently did when Sir Walter Scott composed his narrative poem The Lady of the Lake more than two centuries ago.
Canting at Trossachs Pier: Sir Walter Scott was dressed for the occasion and gave an impressive show of steam power
The ship that is named after one of Scotland’s greatest authors looked in peak condition as she manoeuvred into her berth after a midday public sailing up the loch.
It was a joy to be greeted at the gangway by a good friend of many years — none other than Ken Henderson, the ship’s master. Ken was an engineer for many years on Scotland’s other actively preserved steamship, Waverley.
I’d venture to suggest that the CRSC group who boarded Sir Walter Scott on Saturday were ‘La crème de la crème’ of the cruising fraternity – a ‘who’s who’ in that sphere.
Thanks to Sir Walter Scott’s extensive awning, we were all able to remain on deck and sit on dry seats, and while the modern deckhouse (new in 2009) may not have enhanced the exterior appearance of the ship, it has clearly become a major asset for onboard excursionists: during the course of our relaxed and leisurely three-hour sail, it provided warmth and shelter for those seeking sustenance from its attractive café-bar.
Our cruise took us the entire eight-mile length of the loch. We were allowed a short stop (in heavy rain!) for photographic purposes at Stronachlachar pier, before proceeding further towards Glengyle, where Rob Roy was born. This extended itinerary featured in cruises between the wars, but no one on board, including the skipper, had previously ventured so far. Another special treat was to be able to sail, outward and return, round the mysterious Ellen’s Isle.
Presentation to skipper Ken Henderson by CRSC cruise organisers Iain Quinn (centre) and Graeme Hogg (right)
On the way back to Trossachs Pier, the Club made a 125th anniversary presentation to Ken Henderson in recognition of the ship reaching such a significant milestone in its history.
Throughout the cruise Ken gave an excellent commentary on some of the history and geography of the loch. We were invited to visit the bridge – and the engine-room, where we could admire the new boilers which, thanks to a major overhaul over the past three years, have given Sir Walter Scott a new lease of life.
It was a delight to see how smart and clean the entire ship was: the toilets and small lounges were immaculate.
To finish off our day, the crew took the ship out again to allow us to photograph her turning round for her overnight berth. As if on cue, the sun finally came out!
The day summed up, in my mind, one of the objects of the Club — ‘to enable members to meet and sail together’.
We all enjoyed ourselves. Congratulations to those who gave us that opportunity and helped to arrange it.
See also: What now for Sir Walter Scott?
Read more here about the charitable trust that owns and operates Sir Walter Scott.
The scene at Trossachs Pier as the CRSC excursion party arrived for our cruise on Loch Katrine
View down the loch from the port bridge wing, with the ship’s whistle and handsome funnel in the foreground
Engine room visit by Neil Guthrie (left) and Owen Robertson (right), hosted by engineer Larry Fraser (centre)
Proceeding past the mysterious Ellen’s Isle (right)
Builder’s plate glistening in the rain – a relic dating from 1900
Immaculately kept lower deck lounge
Arrival at Stronachlachar, with CRSC members Carol and Arthur Sales in the foreground
View forward in the deckhouse, with CRSC vice-president James Fisher (far left) and his wife Aileen alongside Jimmy Addison, David Robertson, Pat Marron and others
Looking aft in the comfortable deckhouse towards the café-bar, with Stuart Craig (far left), Sandy Stevens, Carrie MacKinnon, Neil Guthrie and Owen Robertson
Letting off steam
Return to Trossachs Pier after highly our sociable and scenic charter cruise
The final cant, making the ship ready for the night – and for more excursionists in days to come
CRSC is an association of friendly enthusiasts united by the quest to ‘meet together, sail together and talk together’, mainly on the west of Scotland — but many members hail from further afield. If you join us, you’ll receive copies of our much-prized west coast shipping Review and annual magazine, as well as access to a large library of archive photos in the ‘Members Only’ section of this website. We gather for meetings and cruises throughout the year. To join us, click here.
Published on 15 September 2025