Stunning Scenic Tower opens at the Birthplace of Scottish Tourism
Today at Loch Katrine in the heart of The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Stephen Leckie, Chair of VisitScotland, officially opened an impressive three-storey scenic tower and lookouts on the site credited with being the Birthplace of Scottish Tourism back in the early 1800s. Also joining the launch were representatives from local communities and agencies who supported this visionary project.
The event celebrated the enormous historical and cultural significance of the tower's site above the Trossachs Pier headland and the work that has gone into creating a unique experience in a sensitive way that provides Loch Katrine visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the iconic views that inspired leading Victorian artists and poets, such as John Knox, the Wordsworths, Keats, and Sir Walter Scott. Their works triggered a boom in Scottish tourism and the growth of nearby Callander and Aberfoyle to cope with the large influx of early tourists.
The Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust, which is responsible for preserving Loch Katrine's historic 124-year-old Steamship Sir Walter Scott for public enjoyment, installed the tower, with viewpoints connected by elevated boardwalks on a giant rock outcrop above Trossachs Pier. The tower is reached by a hand-built 200-metre stone path, reinstating a route that had been overgrown for decades. This is the final phase of the wider £2million Trossachs Visitor Management Project led by the Steamship Trust in partnership with other local charities, Trossachs community groups and agencies
As part of the celebrations, actors recreated Sir Walter Scott's visit to the viewpoint, which inspired him to write his landmark poem, The Lady of the Lake. When published in 1810, it was the blockbuster of its day, with crowds flocking to see the dramatic landscapes described so vividly in his poem.
Around a century before that, the viewpoint, with its vantage point, was used by Roderick Dhu, a contemporary of Loch Katrine-born outlaw and clan chief Rob Roy MacGregor to warn him about advancing Redcoat soldiers seeking his arrest. As a result for many years the viewpoint was known as the Roderick Dhu Watch Tower. Actors entertained those gathered for today's opening with a rendition of this scene from the early 1700s. This story encouraged Sir Walter Scott to continue his Loch Katrine association by writing a historical novel about the legend of Rob Roy, published in 1817.
This latest project has involved the construction of the scenic tower, viewing platforms, boardwalks and path with the use of a helicopter to minimise the impact in an environmentally sensitive location and cost £500,000. The Steamship Trust coordinated the project and provided some of the funding while grants totalling £274,000 were secured to help some of the costs from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) via Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and Stirling Council and managed by VisitScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Steamship Sir Walter Scott CEO and Lead Trustee James Fraser said: The Steamship Trust has long aspired to showcase this iconic viewpoint made famous by literary giants more than 200 years ago and I am delighted we have managed to achieve this in an imaginative and sensitive way that respects the special landscape and conservation qualities of the area. I am also grateful to all those who supported this project, especially the local communities, who were enthusiastic backers and wanted the public to once again enjoy very special views where Scottish tourism began.
VisitScotland’s Chair Stephen Leckie said: “It’s a real honour to open the Birthplace of Scottish Tourism Scenic Tower & Lookouts, where Sir Walter Scott put Loch Katrine and Scotland firmly on the map as a tourist destination.
Scotland’s visitors continue to be attracted to the wonderful scenery surrounding Trossachs Pier. The new Roderick Dhu viewpoint will give visitors access to breath-taking views, without having to climb the surrounding peaks. It follows earlier improvements to motorhome and car parking, cyclist provision, signage, and toilets, in the area.
The changes will allow visitors to enjoy the stunning landscape while protecting the local environment. It aligns with our commitment to creating a sustainable tourism experience that benefits all.”
Ends.
