The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
All aboard for a scenic voyage of discovery on Loch Tay
Ninety-minute cruise promises to be a big hit
For the first time in 70 years visitors to Perthshire’s largest loch will be able to enjoy the rich wildlife and heritage of the area while cruising on the water.
A brand new, custom-built 12-seater boat which will allow visitors to discover and explore the loch has been launched by Loch Tay Safaris.
The enterprise is the first time a commercial vessel has sailed the 15-mile long loch, which lies between Killin and Kenmore, since the Queen of the Lake ceased operations at the outbreak of the Second World War.
The boat has been named Iolaire, which means eagle in Gaelic and was also the name of Donald Riddell’s great grandfather’s steam yacht, which served as an anti-submarine vessel in the First World War.
Along with his wife Julie, Mr Riddell operates Highland Safaris which has established itself as a popular visitor attraction.
Based next to the village of Dull, it started with a Land Rover Safari experience in the local mountains to explore wildlife, landscape and history.
“Both of our families have connections with the loch and its surrounding areas stretching back, to be able to bring it back to life with Loch Tay Safaris is incredibly exciting,” said Mr Riddell.
Long and narrow with steep sides, Loch Tay is one of the deepest in Scotland.
Less famous than lochs Lomond and Ness, it is rich in history, heritage and mythology which made Loch Tay the perfect location for the new venture.
During the 90-minute cruise the skipper will point out the loch’s nature and wildlife while passengers can sit back and absorb the history and folklore that dates back to the Iron Age.
They will be able to listen to tales of the ancient settlers who lived on Loch Tay almost 2,500 years ago, and hear of the Victorian pleasure steamers that once cruised the waters with crowds of day trippers enjoying the views.