Sir Walter Scott Steamship turns to vegetable oil and hydrogen

THE Sir Walter Scott Steamship could soon be running off vegetable oil and hydrogen after securing fresh funding.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland has awarded the 122-year-old vessel a grant of £130,000.

Coupled with ongoing public donations and grants from other bodies, the cash will allow work to begin to replace the boat’s boilers, cutting its carbon dioxide emissions.

James Fraser, chief executive and trustee of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust, said: “As a charitable trust, we are responsible for protecting and caring for the Steamship for the nation and to ensure current and future generations can continue to enjoy the scenic splendours of Loch Katrine onboard this unique historic vessel.

“The steamship carries the name of one of Scotland’s most famous writers, who was inspired to write his blockbuster poem, Lady of the Lake, which was published in 1810 and is credited with the birth of Scottish tourism leading to the popularisation of the Trossachs as a tourist destination and the introduction of pleasure boat trips on the loch.

“It is important we continue to nurture and celebrate this rich cultural heritage and combine it with enabling people to enjoy the natural wonders of Loch Katrine on the steamship, which is a national treasure.”

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