In the mid-1820s, a traveller climber to the top of Ben Lomond on a September morning to view the sunrise over Loch Lomond, and there met an old highlander. The old man said he had been a guide for the north side of the mountain for forty years but that he would soon go and live with his daughter and her husband near Aberfoyle and give up his outdoor life. Over the years, he explained, he had made a living from tourists “but that Walter Scott, that every body makes such work about; I wish I had him to ferry over Loch Lomond; I should be after sinking the boat if I drowned myself into the bargain; for ever since he wrote his “Lady of the Lake,” as they call it, every body goes to see that filthy hole, Loch Catrine, then comes round by Luss, and I have had only two gentlemen to guide all this blessed season, which is now at an end. I shall never see the top of Ben Lomond again. The devil confound his ladies and his lakes, say I!”

There can be little doubt that Scott’s poem did much to popularize tourism in the Trossachs and Loch Katrine. The romance of the poetry coupled with the unspoilt scenery and the adventure of penetrating a rugged and thinly populated corner of the country proved irresistible to the wealthy travellers who made their way north in the decades that followed. The old tourist track from Stirling by Aberfoyle and Loch Ard to Loch Lomond, was replaced by a new route through the Callander and the Trossachs, requiring a trip by boat across the waters of loch Katrine. Boats with accompanying boatmen could be hired at the Trossachs Inn, built by the local landowner, above Loch Achray. Information on the early years of this trade was collected by Malcolm Ferguson, “Fishing Incidents and Adventures,” published by John Leng & Co., Dundee, in 1893.

“Long before any steamer was put on Loch Katrine there was a regular ferry-boat (the Water Witch) which started from the Trossachs end every morning during the summer season at 9 o’clock, returning in the afternoon. In those days the principal pier or landing place at the head of the loch was at Coalbarns, situated in a deep indented bay some distance south of the pier at Stronachlachar, and nearer Loch Lomond. The Water Witch was owned by a small company concern, and the books were always balanced and profits equally divided at the end of the season. Besides the regular boat, which had accommodation for twenty-five passengers, there were a number of smaller boats kept at either end of the loch for the convenience of any “big” folks or gentry, who might prefer to hire a private craft for the voyage. There being then no regular road between Coalbarns and Inversnaid, the boatmen usually had to carry the passengers’ luggage that distance—fully five miles on their backs. The passengers had either to walk or ride on ponies, a number of which were always in waiting at the respective landing-places, saddled and ready for the convenience of either ladies or gentlemen. I have been often told that there were no fewer than thirty or more of these hardy, surefooted, useful animals then kept about the place. I belie about the only dwelling then at Coalbarns consisted of a small thatched cottage with a “but and a ben,” for many years occupied by a Mr M‘Gowan, who by-and-bye, finding travellers increasing at such a marvellous rate, and no refreshment of any kind to be had at Coalbarns, procured a license to sell a dram of usage beatha, but no extra dry champagne, sparkling hock, or wines of any sort. There being no opposition “shop” nearer than the Trossachs, Clachan of Aberfoyle, or Inversnaid, the new innkeeper carried on a brisk and increasing business, and many a small siolag of his hielan’ peat-reek flavoured usiege beatha was, served to weary, drouthy pedestrian tourists, after climbing up the long “stey brae” along the bleak, dreary, Glenarclet from Inversnaid to Coalbarns. Mr M‘Gowan was succeeded in the little inn by Mr Ferguson, father of the well-known and respected present landlord of the now palatial and well-found hotel of Stronachlachar, or rather Stronachlachaig, which I believe to be the more correct name. A good many years ago the Duke of Montrose formed an excellent road from Inversnaid to the head of Loch Katrine, and built a new hotel at Stronachlachar. This hotel being erected pretty close to the margin of the lake, it was found that when the level of the loch would be raised an additional five feet in connection with the large extension scheme of the Loch Katrine Water Works, the hotel and pier would be partly submerged. A few years ago the Commissioners of the Loch Katrine Water Works had to build a new hotel a short way farther to the south, and nearer Coalbarns. This large hotel occupies a splendid site upon an elevated plateau, probably thirty or forty feet above the level of the loch, which it overlooks. Passengers on landing from the steamer ascend by a long flight of steps or stair to the hotel, which commands a wide varied, and magnificent lookout.

“The history of the first steamer put on Loch Katrine is a somewhat remarkable one, and might afford ample material for a graphic historian to fill a volume. A small iron steamer of eight horse-power was started on the loch early in the summer of 1843, named the Gipsy. I have found great difficulty in procuring almost any special or reliable information about her. I have conversed with several elderly people about Callander and district, who told me that they distinctly remembered witnessing said steamer being conveyed through Callander on a large cradle-waggon, drawn by either ten or twelve strong horses, but were quite unable to give any particulars whatever about her, as to where she was built, or who owned her, and had no very clear idea as to the date or year they had seen her being conveyed through the village. However, one day I happened to meet a well-known and respected farmer’s better-half who resides in the neighbourhood of Callander, and whose maiden name is Stewart. I asked her if she remembered seeing the little steamer being conveyed up along the Trossachs road past their farm. She at once told me that she remembered the circumstance perfectly, and that if I would call up any day at their house she would be glad to show me a full and graphic account of the chequered voyage of the steamer from Stirling to Loch Katrine in black and white. I told her that I would be glad to see and get a reading of the document. I found said document to consist of a long and amusing poem or ballad of some five hundred lines, descriptive of the adventures and curious mishaps of the steamer in course of her transit from Stirling to Loch Katrine, written by a late brother of the lady’s, who was home from his college duties at the time the little steamer was passing up through the district on her singular overland maiden voyage, which the young student had evidently watched with keen interest and curiosity. He appears to have been a youth of much promise, but died in early life. He left several pieces of Gaelic poetry, &c., of considerable merit in manuscript, but which have never yet appeared in print. These manuscripts are now in the possession of, and fondly treasured by, his respected sister already referred to, now an elderly dame, but still very active, hale, and hearty.”

In fact she was put on the Loch in June, 1843.

“Steamer on Loch Katrine.—On Saturday last, a small iron steamboat arrived in our town on its passage from Glasgow to Loch Katrine, on which it is intended, to ply during the summer months. It is only about six tons in weight, engines and all, has no deck, nor any part of it covered in except the engine, which is of six horsepower. This will be a great improvement to the enjoyment of visitors to this romantic lake.—Stirling Observer”—Scotsman June 21, 1843

“The Royal Visit to the Perthshire Highlands last autumn is likely to give an impetus to tourists in this direction this summer, and already several parties have made their appearance. The new coach from Birnam, communicating with the main line through the North Highlands, will tend to the convenience of individual passengers in that direction; but it is still to be regretted that we have steamer on Loch Tay to enable tourists to enjoy its scenery with comfort and economy, such as are so common in the West Highlands. This week, understand, a steamer of 6-horse power has been launched on Loch Catherine, which have no doubt will soon remunerate the spirited proprietor by encreasing the number of visitors to the far-famed scenery of the Trosachs.”—Perthshire Courier, June 22, 1843

“But we were informed at Killin, where we spent the 6th and 7th, that in the following week stagecoaches were to ply from Kenmore to Killin, and on by Lochearnhead and Callander to the cacophonous Ardcheanachruchdan at Loch Achray, better known by its Saxon appellative of Stewart’s Inn. From Stewart’s the conveyance westward is by boats on Loch Katrine, and by ponies across the neck of land to Loch Lomond. An enterprising individual put a small neat iron steamer of six horse-power, on Loch Katrine; but the boatmen have conspired to defeat this invasion of their monopoly, and have every chance of succeeding. They told us that the steamer was of the high-pressure kind, and dangerous— that they carried passengers as cheap (one shilling each) in their row-boat—that they generally outsailed the steamer—and that a cart was provided to convey the luggage of their passengers exclusively across the neck of land, while those going by the steamer could only get ponies at the best. The last argument prevailed with us. We started a little before the steamer, and kept ahead of her the whole way, and I believe she did not get a single passenger. But to make sure of outstripping her, we were favoured with seven rowers. Formerly, if my memory is correct, two or four sufficed, and the charge was 10s. whether the passengers were one or many. An hour was spent in our passage up Loch Katrine (eight miles), an hour and a half in crossing the isthmus to Invcrsnaid Ferry (five miles), Mrs M. riding and I walking by her side. A steamer comes up Loch Lomond at ono o’clock, takes you on board, and carries you to the head of the loch, where passengers coming direct from Killin by Glendochart and Glenfalloch arc taken in. This route from Loch Tay is one-half shorter than that which we took by Callander, and must be very wild and romantic; but you lose the beautiful series of Lochs Earn, Lubnaig, Venacher, Achray, Katrine, and the Trosachs.”—Scotsman, July 22, 1843

Returning to Malcom Ferguson’s account,

“As the young student’s lengthy ballad is almost the only account I could procure of the little steamer Gipsy from the start on her maiden voyage from Stirling till her somewhat tragic final fate on Loch Katrine, I will cull some lines from it which may interest some of the folks of the Callander and Trossachs district—

“On the following morning everything was being prepared for an early start from Callander, after a night’s rest and a substantial morning feed, all fully expecting to reach Lochend in course of the day; but alack!—“The best laid schemes o’mice and men Gang aft agley,”—for it was some nine or ten days later ere the Gipsy finished her eventful, chequered journey, a considerable crowd convoying the cavalcade from the village. For the first mile or so everything went on like clockwork till, between the toll-house and Kilmahog Bridge, one of the waggon wheels sank deep into the road, which stopped farther progress. By-and-bye a number of carriages, gigs, carts, &c., from opposite directions had approached the steamer, but could not proceed any farther—

“The next serious hitch occurred a short way beyond Coilantogle farmhouse, where two of the waggon wheels sank to the axletree, and thus stopped all farther progress for the day, indeed for several days. All the men and horses returned to Callander to spend the night there, two men being left to watch the Gipsy in case some tarry-fingered passing tramps might run “awa wi’ her.” Several of the men proceeded to Stirling to tell what happened in the west, and there—

“After being detained for several days near Coilantogle, with the now increased assistance of men and horses from Stirling the steamer was on the move once more, but with great caution, every suspicious part of the road being carefully laid with wooden planks. The next hitch occurred near the Brig o’ Turk, where another night was spent, but early next morning the journey was continued up along the Trossachs’ gloomy pass.

“When within less than half a mile from their destination, they met the most serious mishap they had hitherto encountered, several of the waggon wheels having sunk deep into the road. To crown the disaster, several of the fresh horses, not being accustomed to such queer work and in such a queer place, surrounded as they were with precipitous, ragged, speaking rocks, and curiously-shaped overhanging trees, with the bright heavens overhead, suddenly became obstreperous and unmanageable, reared and plunged, and flung up their heels. At length about half their number tore up their “gude graith” into pieces, galloped off helter-skelter, and disappeared into the eerie, bosky territory of the Trossachs, and it was a couple of days ere the last of them was found.

“To cut the story short, the Gipsy, after her long and perilous voyage from Stirling, was at length launched on Loch Katrine midst the loud, prolonged, and hearty cheers of the assembled throng, which was re-echoed from isle to isle, and from crag to crag, athwart huge, hoary Ben Venue’s rugged front high above,

“leaving behind them the crew appointed to sail the steamer, consisting of captain, mate, engineer, and stoker. The craft being complete in every particular before she left Stirling, and there being a stock of coke and coals previously stored close to the pier, in a short time steam was got up, and the Gipsy was soon paddling slowly up the loch and round Ellen’s Isle, and back to the landing-place.

“It can readily be surmised that all the boatmen about the place, and more especially the crew of the regular boat, the Water Witch, viewed the daring intruder on the lake with no friendly eye; but they wisely kept their thoughts to “thirsels.” The following morning the Water Witch was at her usual place, ready to start, as was her wont, prompt at 9 a.m., with her crew of eight exceptionally strong, active Highlanders, all in the prime and full vigour of noble manhood. There were a goodly number of passengers ready to embark, and of course there was a keen competition between the respective boats to get the largest number of passengers, who for a time swithered whether to patronise the old or the new boat.

The daily race continued for a week or two and then more drastic action took place.

“Although there was only one reliable witness—as far as is known—the case was as clear as noonday, that during the sombre watches of the night the Gipsy had been unfastened from her moorings at the well-sheltered landing place, towed across to the “Pool” at the base of Ben Venue —said to be the deepest part of the loch—and there scuttled and sunk. Singularly enough, to this day it has never been very clearly ascertained who were the perpetrators of this dark midnight daring deed. It is an open secret that not a few strongly suspected the crew of the old Water Witch had some hand in the matter, while others fancied that the wild hairy Urisks of Ben Venue—who, if all old tales be quite true, used to commit some fearfu’ criminal deeds in the district in days of yore—might be the culprits. For a time the sinking of the steamer was the all-engrossing topic in the district. The Procurator-Fiscal, with some assistants, paid several visits to the place, but failed to procure any really reliable information. The boatmen, of course, knew nothing about the mater. The only individual—a well-known farmer on the loch side—had only a simple story to tell, namely, that he had been at a lamb fair at Callander the previous day, and had stayed rather late with some old cronies he had met at the fair, and as he reached the Brig of Turk on his way home daylight was beginning to dawn, and before he reached Loch Katrine it was clear daylight. On passing the pier he at once missed the steamer from her usual position at the landing-place, but on casting a look around he saw the Gipsy in the big bay near the south shore, and fancied that she looked deeper in the water than usual. The lake was as smooth as a sheet of glass. He had stood only some five or ten minutes to see if any of the crew were on board, when he saw her give a sudden lurch, throw up her stem in the air, and disappear, stern foremost, leaving an eddying circle and some floating bubbles to show for a few moments the spot where the ill-fated steamer had disappeared, and probably ere she had reached her final bed at the bottom of the lake, at a depth of seventy odd fathoms of water, the surface of the lake was as smooth and placid as the rest, leaving not the slightest trace of the spot.

“By-and-bye several of the Loch Katrine boatmen were summoned to appear before the Sheriff Court at Dunblane in connection with the sinking of the steamer Gipsy. Most of the men could converse in tolerably good English with their passengers on the Water Witch, although with a strong Highland accent, which many Englishers and tourists generally are rather fond of hearing than otherwise. I have even seen many people who did not understand a single word of Gaelic listen to a boatman sing a Gaelic song, such as:—

“with evident keen delight and appreciation. Singular to relate, when the boatmen entered the Court-house at Dunblane it was discovered that they had “verra leetle Englesh whatever.” The Sheriff had to employ an interpreter, but after several prolonged cross-examinations the Judge, and all the glib-tongued lawyers engaged in the case, were fairly baffled, and could make nothing of them. Whether the authorities ever contemplated instituting legal proceedings against the Urisks of Ben Venue in regard to the sinking of the Gipsy I am not very sure. Probably they would find difficulty to get any beagle “bodie” to undertake to venture on the somewhat dangerous proceeding of serving a summons in person on the savage, hairy, lubbard fiends in their weird abode in the goblins’ gloomy den on Loch Katrine side. So at length the case, which had excited such intense interest in the locality, had to be dropped.

“I believe that there are at least three of the crew of the old Water Witch still to the fore, and all over 90 years of age. One resides in Callander, one at the Brig o’ Turk, and the other, Para-Mhor (big Peter), on Loch Lomond side. I had occasion quite recently to call on the one at Callander (MʻIntyre). In course of a long crack, I took the liberty of asking him if he had assisted to knock a hole in the bottom of the steamer Gipsy on Loch Katrine. Being in bed, he looked up at me, as much as to say, that’s an old story now; then added, “Better let sleepin’ dogs lie, sir.”

The sinking of the steamer was widely reported in the press of the day and the outrage it generated likely did much to prevent a similar occurrence with later steamers.

“Diabolical conduct.—Some weeks ago a few enterprising gentletnen resident it is believed, in Glasgow, had a small iron steam-boat placed on Loch Katrine with a view of affording accommodation to the many tourists who visit the romantic scenery of the Trosachs. The passage along the lake has been hitherto performed by rowing, or oared bows. The steamer was accordingly looked upon as an intruder by some of the parties interested in the navigation of the lake—more especially as the fare of the steamer was one-half that in use to be taken by the owners of the small boats, who accordingly have been necessitated to reduce their fares. The crew of the steam boat were not a little surprised on the morning of Wednesday last, to find that their vessel was not lying at her accustomed moorings, where she had been secured the previous evening. On examining the beach in the vicinity of Ellen’s Isle there were discovered some articles which were on board the steamer, and which evidently had been washed ashore. This discovery led to the belief that the steam-boat had been taken from her moorings; dragged to a part of the lake west of the Isle, which is very deep, and there maliciously sunk. We understand that information of the circumstance having been lodged with the authorities at Dunblane, the Sheriff-Substitute and Procurator-Fiscal proceeded to Loch Katrine on Saturday last, and made an investigation into the circumstances of the case, and which we believe is still going on. We forbear therefore entering into particulars, but we may express the universal feeling of this part of the country, viz. utter detestation and disgust at so foul and wicked an act, and an earnest hope that the perpetrators may be discovered and brought to punishment. We have been told that the steam boat was valued at between £200 and £300, and that it cost the parties shout £70 to convey her from the Clyde to Loch Katrine.”—Perthshire Constitutional, July 26, 1843

“Malicious mischief on Loch Katrine.—(From a Correspondent of the Glasgow Constitutional.)— In June last, some enterprising gentlemen in Glasgow had conveyed to Loch Katrine a small steam-boat, for the accommodation of tourists visiting that romantic quarter. Hitherto the only means by which visitors could be conveyed along the lake were by open boats . One of these boats plied regularly from the east end in the morning, and returned from the west end in the evening, at fixed hours. There were also about a dozen of small boats for special hire . The fares of the regular passage boat for each passenger going once up or down the lake were 2s.; an individual hiring one of the small boats was charged 8s. for a similar trip; and 10s. were charged for a party consisting of not more than five, with 2s. more for every individual exceeding that number. Where the individual or party returned with the boat, they had to pay one-half of these fares, in addition to those originally paid.

“On the steamer being started, it met with every kind of opposition . Additional hands were put upon the sailing boats, to maintain a speed equal, if possible, to that of the steamer. The fares of these boats were also reduced to one-half of those previously charged.

“On Tuesday night last week, the steamer was moored at the east end of the lake, where it was always placed for the night; but on the return of the crew early next morning, it could nowhere be found. The sail and some other articles belonging to the vessel were found drifted on the shore near the island; und there can be little doubt that it must have been scuttled and sunk at this part of the lake, which is understood to be very deep. Information of the circumstance having been communicated to the authorities at Dunblane, we understand the Sheriff-substitute and Procurator Fiscal proceeded to the spot, and that they are pursuing an investigation, which, we hope, may lead to the discovery of the perpetrators of an act which, however characteristic of the doings of a former age, must be viewed as a disgrace to the present. The steamer was of a very light and handsome figure—had no deck, but had sails; and so far from detracting from the beauty of the scenery through which she glided, she gave it an additional interest . We are glad to know that the occurrence has excited the disgust and indignation of every respectable person belonging to the locality; and we can have no doubt that the distinguished noblemen to whom the lake and adjoining country belong will co-operate in any measures necessary for the protection and the security of the property of individuals embarked in an enterprise which would have been as serviceable to the crowds who resort to this far-famed spot, and for affording facility of access to the scenery. In casting an eye over the map of this district of country, it strikes us that as Lochs Katrine, Achray, and Vennachar form one line, all connected by the stream which flows from the former, the means of conveyance from Lochlomond to Callander might be so improved as to make the trip from Glasgow be all accomplished in one day. At present the expense to travelling in this district is so great as to exclude the many thousands of our western citizens, to whom it would otherwise be a delightful resort”—Scotsman, July 29 1843

“Outrage on Loch Katrine.—We formerly alluded to the sinking of a beautiful little steamer, which lately commenced plying on Loch Katrine. We understand that this malicious act is likely to be brought home to the guilty parties. The Procurator-Fiscal is actively engaged in an investigation, which, it is hoped, will end in bringing the individuals concerned to the punishment which they so well merit. We trust, in the mean time, that the public will not long be deprived of the accommodation afforded by the steamer in question, and that the proprietors will not allow an opposition which proved so advantageous to the public (and which, we trust, was profitable to themselves), to be put down in the Rob Roy fashion which has been adopted on this occasion We hear that the steamer is to be raised and set agoing again immediately. There are also rumours that another steam-boat is to ply on Lochlomond, in connection with her, and that other arrangements will he made, by which passengers will be enabled to get on to Callender and Stirling on the same evening, at cheaper rates, and with greater comfort than at present. This is as it should be. We are no friends to monopoly; and the mode in which the Loch Katrine steamer has been disposed of by her enemies, will go far to secure to the new Company the sympathy and support of the public.”—Perthshire Constitutional, August 9, 1843

The rumours of “another steam-boat is to ply on Lochlomond,” likely refer to the efforts of the New Lochlomond Steamboat Company to introduce the Waterwitch to Lochlomond. Indeed, the minute books show that at their meeting at Dumbarton on January 30th, 1845, the Directors of the Company discussed the matter and instructed the Secretary to prepare specifications and estimated costs for a suitable vessel for the station. However, events quicky overtook the scheme. In early April, the directors disclosed they were in negotiations with Messrs Napier and M’Murrich, owners of the river steamer on Loch Lomond, the Lochlomond, on an agreement of co-partnery. The agreement was finalized in May, and signed off by all the partners by the end of the year. Of relevance is that one of the articles refers to the Company subsuming a contract between Mr Napier and Messrs T. Wingate & Son, for a small steamer to be placed on Loch Katrine.

“It is likewise hereby agreed, in order to extend the means of local communication by placing a steamer on Loch Catrine, that the said united Company shall, as they hereby assume and take over the steam boat contracted for by the said David Napier, and presently in course of construction by Thomas Wingate, engineer, Glasgow, to be called Rob Roy, at the price stipulated between these parties, being four hundred and twenty-five pounds sterling, exclusive of the expense of her removal to Loch Catrine, and the united Company hereby bind themselves to pay the price of the said steamboat to the said Thomas Wingate in terms of the contract between him and the said David Napier, and which boat will be sailed on Loch Catrine under the directions of and in manner specified by the Directors of the said Company assembled at a public meeting.”

Messrs Wingate subcontracted the building of the hull to Messrs Denny Brothers, Dumbarton, who had begun construction at the end of March 1845. She was constructed of iron and was 70 feet long with a gross tonnage of 30 tons.  The Company was optimistic in advertising that the Rob Roy would be on station at the end of June. As it transpired, she was launched on July 1st, had her machinery of 15 h.p. fitted by Messrs Wingate, and was taken up the Leven and sailed to Inversnaid. The plan was to load her onto a “cradle wagon” and drag her to Coalbarns on Loch Katrine but the initial lift from the Loch to the top of the hill at Inversnaid proved to be impossible. Accordingly, the Rob Roy was broken down and transported in eight carts to the side of Loch Katrine where she was reassembled on the lochside at Coalbarns. The activity at Inversnaid was noted in September, but before the plan was set in motion, the Loch Lomond Company was interdicted from plying the vessel on Loch Katrine.

“Lochlomond and Loch Catrine.—We noticed lately that an interdict had been granted by the Court of Session, on the application of Lord and Lady Willoughby d’Eresby, prohibiting the Lochlomond Steamboat Company from placing a steamer on Loch Catrine, to facilitate the communication now so extensive between Lochlomond and the Trosachs. The project, as supplying an important public accommodation, had previously, we believe, received the sanction, both of his Grace the Duke of Montrose and M‘Gregor of Glengyle, who own the greater part of Loch Catrine and its shores, and anticipating no obstacle to their plan, the Company got a suitable vessel constructed, and had made arrangements to remove it to the station, when the interdict was served on them. We have learned, however, that the Lord Ordinary, on hearing parties on Friday last, recalled the interdict, and, we observe that the Company still intend, notwithstanding the advanced state of the season, to transport the steamer to Loch Catrine in the course of the present week, so that the public may yet enjoy a more safe and regular, and, at same time, we doubt not, a cheaper method of conveyance through this romantic and delightful district, than they have hitherto experienced.”—Glasgow Herald, September 8, 1845

The Duke of Montrose and M‘Gregor of Glengyle were the major landowners on the banks of Loch Katrine but Lord Willoughby held the landing place at the Trossachs end, and owned the Trossachs Hotel, one of the popular tourist haunts, and his tenant had an interest in the rowing boats, that, after the disappearance of the Gipsy, were the means of crossing the Loch. On this basis, Lord Willoughby claimed the exclusive right to operate vessels on Loch Katrine and interdicted the Loch Lomond Company. However, when the case was heard in the Court of Sessions, the right of the Company to sail on the Loch by common title was upheld and the parties were ordered to negotiate a compromise. In the meantime the Loch Lomond Company were allowed to proceed with the venture, carting the steamer from Inversnaid under the direction of Captain Ritchie, and at the beginning of the 1846 season, the Rob Roy was launched at Coalbarns.

The settlement between the company and Lord Willoughby was reached on 8th April, 1847, on the following basis:—

“First, a Contract and Agreement between the Company and Lord and Lady Willoughby’s tenant in the Trossachs Inn, for herself and her successors in the Inn, whereby an interest in the Steam Boat on Loch Catrine to the extent of a half should be conveyed to them by the Company on payment of its ascertained value, and under certain conditions as to the future management of the joint navigation, which should be known by the separate name of Loch Catrine Steam Boat Company, and specially that the Company so to be formed should be bound, as an elementary stipulation of their existence, to ply the steamer on Loch Catrine at such hours as would be suitable to those fixed and observed by this Company for the sailing of their steamers on Lochlomond. And secondly, a joint minute to be signed by all the parties to the existing litigation, in order to have the judicial authority of the Court of Session interponed to it, whereby the Duke of Montrose and Mr M‘Gregor of Glengyle, on the one hand, and Lord and Lady Willoughby on the other, not only should recognise the said Deed of Agreement between the Company and the tenant of Trossachs Inn, but also should grant to them an exclusive right to navigate Loch Catrine for ten years after Whitsunday next, and bind themselves, as well as their respective tenants, not to ply boats in opposition to the Company, except as regards His Grace’s tenant in Coalbarns and Lady Willoughby’s tenant in Trossachs Inn, both of whom should be allowed to keep small boats for hire as heretofore, but not to start them within half an hour before or half an hour after the sailing of the steamer, and further that each party should pay their own respective parts of the expenses of the law suit incurred by them.”

The Duke of Montrose gave his sanction provided the Loch Lomond Company relieved him of the legal expenses he had incurred. The Directors of the Company agreed.

Initially, the steamer plied from the Trossachs to Coalbarns, and around 1850, the Duke of Montrose constructed an inn at Stronachlachar, a little to the north. Not a great deal is known of the steamer, Rob Roy, but she plied on the Loch for a decade in connection with the Loch Lomond steamers, leaving the western end of the Loch at 9:30 in the morning and 2:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon, taking about half-an-hour for the sail to Trossachs. This schedule caused difficulties for travellers from Stirling where the coach connections ensured that only the last steamboat from Trossachs could be taken, missing the steamer at Inversnaid and an extra day in the Trossachs required for the unwary.  There were clearly complaints to the Company’s servants. In May 1851, Mr Reid, master of the Rob Roy, was admonished for “interfering with passengers going to and returning from Loch Katrine by inducing them to go by one route in preference to any other.” The following account, from 1852, gives an unflattering picture of the journey at that time.

“A six days tour in the Highlands.—Although a resident in Scotland for many years, business avocations had hitherto prevented us seeing the more celebrated beauties of our land, although within a day’s journey of the localities; so we took advantage last week of the dull season to enjoy a few days’ ramble in the classic Highlands. ln the afternoon we started by rail from Glasgow for Stirling, and in an hour and a half were snugly ensconced in a parlour of the Royal Hotel, which, from the contort of its internal arrangements, and its proximity to the railway, appears to have the lion’s share of business in that old-fashioned town as an hostelry. It was race week, and the numbers of nondescript jockey-looking men, organ grinders, and other peripapetic musicians, gave indication of holiday. Even up to a late hour at night Baker Street and the Main Street were crowded with idlers, attracted by flaring lamps attached to ginger beer stalls, literary auction marts, and the vehicles of other less improving and intellectual venders.

“In the afternoon we strolled out to Bridge of Allan, and were surprised to see the change in the village we had last visited some sixteen years before. A town had grown up since then, and handsome villas, a spacious hotel, inns of all sorts and sizes, with every second dwelling a lodging house, all showed the effects of fashion in popularising a locality, but how long the prosperity of such a place of resort may last is extremely uncertain. To trace the rise and downfall of the most popular watering places would be a curious inquiry. The mineral water is, in the first instance, the object of visitors. By and by, it is the company which congregate in such places that form the sole attraction; and when from any cause, however frivolous, the votaries of fashion and pleasure cease their visits and are attracted to some younger rival, the hygeian properties of the spring are forgotten or neglected, and the village relapses into ruin.

“Such is the intercourse now between Stirling and Bridge of Allan, that omnibuses run every half hour, or oftener, from morning till night, besides several trines by the Scottish Central Railway. The ’bus we returned by to the Royal Hotel was fitted up like a first-class railway carriage, stuffed with cushions and backs, with all glass on both sides; and at one half of the fare charged by rail for equal accommodation. This is not right. Railways should do the work at one half the price of horsed conveyances; and to this complexion they must come ere long, or the public voice will require it in terms which even that leviathan interest cannot resist. However, it is right to admit that never was a great public so infamously robbed, cheated, plundered, and cozeed as railways have been by the landowners, engineers, lawyers, &c., &c. When we hear of £750,000 being expended by one company alone in law costs, we can hardly wonder that the public should have to pay four times the fares they ought, to enable the company to make even a four per cent dividend. The truth is, that the law costs alone incurred by the London and North Western, should have made the line, exclusive of the requisite plant, and the public could have been then profitably carried at a halfpenny a mile first class, instead of paying five times that price as at present.

“Having secured our seats in the coach which started next morning for Callander and the Trossachs, we retired to bed, and after an early breakfast, we were, at nine o’clock, on the way to the classic Loch Katrine. The coach was a vast improvement on the old construction. The inside was longer than usual, and the side panels were glass, so that an extended view could be obtained on both sides. There was nothing remarkable in the scenery until the river at Doune was crossed, but there was little opportunity for admiring the prospect, beyond the momentary glimpse afforded whilst the coach was passing the bridge, and dragging slowly up the acclivity. Next stage was Callander, which looks a somewhat deserted town, with a large hotel, which has suffered by the erection of those at the Trossachs. A diversified drive, above the side of a solitary-looking lake, at last brought us to the Bridge of Tore Hotel, situated about three miles from the landing place on Loch Katrine, and almost at the entrance to the Trossachs. Here about an hour was allowed for passengers to refresh themselves before the coach proceeded to the lake; but we preferred walking on, and enjoying the scenery as we went. The Bridge of Tore Inn is a modern house, airily situated, and comfortable in its internal arrangements. It has, of course, only a summer trade, but the accommodation for tourists is good, if not stylish.

“We will not attempt a description of the Trossachs, but we will confess that no printed account of them conveyed any idea of the reality, either as to grandeur or beauty. The lower reach of Loch Katrine extends up to within a short distance of Bridge of Tore, and for about a mile or more the road skirts its margin. The high mountain sides are covered with beautiful wood, reaching down to the edge of the water, and overhanging the road. Here and there, bare rocks and huge crags jut out from the rich foliage, and now and again a mountain summit peers above all. But it is not the mere height of the mountains; it is not their ruggedness, or their richness, or their grandeur; but it is such a combination of all those, so strangely and picturesquely grouped, that constitute the charm of the Trossachs. It is painting alone can convey any idea of this enchanting scene; and even then, it is only a single vista—a solitary point of view, which would no more convey an idea of the whole than a geological specimen of a basaltic pillar could enable one to appreciate Staffa. About a mile or so from the landing place stands a gaunt-looking imitation of gloomy Chateau, built in the worst possible style. This is Macgregor’s Trossachs’ Inn. We have, however, been informed that the internal arrangements are superior to the taste exhibited by the architect. It is entirely environed with wood, and is in the very heart of the Trossachs. Mr Macgregor has the management of the small steamer on Loch Katrine, and may yet improve vastly the facilities and accommodation of tourists in this district.

“We had arrived at the landing place before the coach, and an hour and a half before the Rob Roy steamer hove in sight. The jetty is on a small bay of the loch on its northeast side, and the coaches come within thirty yards of it; but these intervening thirty yards are, even in fair weather, a fearful ordeal for ladies. Ankle deep in mud, all must wade in ordinary weather towards the boat. There are a dozen of idle boatmen and other hangers-on, but not a stepping-stone is placed for enabling ladies to pass the slough dry shod. The coach horses in turning were up to the knees, and the coach wheels were sunk in the mud nearly up to the naves Stones were everywhere in abundance, except where they were most needed. But no attempt was made, which would have cost a man six hours’ labour and no more, to make the access to the jetty tolerable. Although some thirty tourist passengers had to wait about an hour and a half, there was not a form to sit upon, nor a vestige of shelter in the event of a pelt of rain—a very common occurrence, by the way, in the Trossachs. There we were, bivouacked on the damp sod, wondering why we had been brought there so soon to have the theatre of getting the rheumatism if we sat down, and missing the boat if we sauntered far. There were some very nice row-boats at hand, but not one of them were engaged on this occasion. It was, however, possibly to give an opportunity for the employment of the lazzaroni belonging to them that the dull interval was so liberally conceded to the passengers. There was also a queer-looking fiddler, who, after rasping a tune or two, went about collecting his dues with great pertinacity. We offered him a sixpence if he would scrape a path through the mud which all had to cross before reaching the boat, but Donald excused himself by saying he was lame. He received some small gratuity to play the “Boatie Rows;” but it was a rich scene to see the way in which he sneaked off out of sight without gratifying the naval hero.

“We do not know on what principle the sailings of the poor little steamer are regulated; but most certainly they are not to suit public convenience. We were informed that the boat started at half-past twelve for the head of the loch, a little before the coaches could reach; and she did not return until half-past three. The Rob Roy is, we should think, about the same size as the Sunbeam on the Crinan Canal, only much dirtier, and the accommodation more limited in consequence of the engine and boiler space amidships. The after part has a roof, but forward is open, with a trap stair leading up to the deck over the engine room. From her rate of speed, we should suppose the distance steamed is not more than seven miles, which is run in an hour. The lower end of the Lake is finely wooded and picturesque enough; but after the first mile or less, the scenery is bare and commonplace, and such as may be seen in almost any given Highland Loch whatever. It is very deep, and the water clear, although in the mass it has the same dark brown colour of all our Highland Lochs. At one place the summit of a rock rises, in mid channel, a little above the water, from a depth, it is said, of nearly 600 feet. The day was fine, and the sail was enjoyed by all on board.

“For this short sail we were charged 2s a-head, which clearly indicated a state of “no-opposition,” and was in striking contrast with the fare between Stirling and Callender, which was only 3s inside, and 2s outside. Formerly the fares were 7s 6d and 5s; and when it is considered that the tolls alone on a four horse coach between Stirling and the Trossachs come to 12s 8d, even the latter price would be considered fair and reasonable. It is, however, the rivalry between the two hotels is Stirling, and those in connection with them at the Trossachs, that the present low charges are to be traced. Mr Macgregor starts his coach from Gibb’s Hotel, Stirling, whilst Mr Campbell’s leaves the Royal Hotel, both at the same time, and running together all the way. The latter, however, stops at Bridge of Tore Inn, whilst the former proceeds two miles further on to the Trossachs Inn before proceeding to the jetty for embarkation on the lake.

“Why the Rob Roy does not start in connection with the coaches, we could not learn, but indeed there is such a manifest unwillingness to give information of any kind, that the truth is hard to find. At present the steamer starts a little before the passengers could reach, for no earthly object that we could learn, except to compel tourists to stop a night longer in the district; for, by the time the boat makes her next trip at half-pat three, her passengers arrive at Inversnaid too late to meet the steamer on Lochlomond going towards Glasgow. All the scenery worth looking at on Loch Katrine is at the lower end—that next the Trossachs; and yet the steamer does not even make a detour of about three miles so as to enable tourists to see some magnificent glimpses of the Trossach scenery from the water. But we presume that the interest of the Hotels or boatmen is here consulted, and not the gratification or convenience of tourists. Throughout our tour we heard continual complaints of the journey between the Trossachs and Lochlomond; and it is said that the American tourists have, in consequence, neglected it almost altogether this season. If John Bull become equally disgusted, the Hotelkeepers may shut shop, for nineteen out of every twenty we met in our tour came from South of the Border.

“At half-past four we reached Stronachlachar. Here there is a neat little inn, and an excellent landing jetty. But with this our commendation must end. There were no vehicles when we arrived; nor could we learn from cautious host when any might be expected, or how many, to take us on to Inversnaid. It was by this time too late to attempt catching the Lochlomond boat going towards Balloch, and the time was spent in consultations amongst various little knots of passengers as to what had best be done. We, however, wormed out the fact that the fare to Inversnaid would be 2s each by a sort of open vehicle, and 7s for a drosky to hold three. In all cases the luggage was charged extra. We paid 1s for a small hand-valise. Bye-and-by one vehicle came, and then another, until there were four or five altogether; but by this time a number of our friends had proceeded on foot over the hill. We had a lady with us, and had to ride. At last, after much inquiry and solicitation, five of us obtained the aforesaid vehicle, for which we were to pay 15s and the driver. The poor horses had been already three times the journey, and were jaded enough. However, we got off, and after such a jolting and shaking as we never before encountered except on a jungle road, we reached the hill above Inversnaid in about an hour and a quarter. From the point where the vehicles stop, the road is so very precipitous that passengers have to scramble down to Inversnaid Inn. From this our party hired a rowboat for 4s to take us up to Ardluie Hotel, at the head of Lochlomond, in anticipation of the steamer which would pass Inversnaid at eight o’clock. At Inversnaid, of course, the boatmen could not be found when they were wanted—indeed, they never are anywhere if an inn is near; but they were got at last not far away, and we proceeded up the Queen of Scottish Lakes on as lovely an evening as ever shone. The scenery between Loch Katrine and Lochlomond is wild and dreary. A gloomy mountain lake diversifies the view somewhat, but there is no possibility of calmly admiring anything, when the fearful jolting which the worst mountain road in Scotland occasions is considered.

“It was dark when our party reached Ardluie, but within all was clean, tidy, and heartsome.”—North British Daily Mail, September, 11, 1852

The former Clerk to the Loch Lomond Steamboat Company, Mr Robertson, published a guide to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs in 1855, and gives scant reference to the Rob Roy, merely noting the existence of a steamer on Loch Katrine, but he does note that the inn at Stronachlachar together with the road between Inversnaid and Stronachlachar had been recently improved by the Duke of Montrose. In fact, the Lochlomond Steamboat Company had persuaded the Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Railway to fund the road improvements, citing an expected increase in tourist traffic. It was about this time also that the destination at the western end of Loch Katrine was switched from the pier at Coalbarns to a new pier at Stronachlachar.

Advert from Robertson’s guide, 1855

Trossachs Hotel around 1866 (George Washington Wilson)

Advert from Robertson’s guide, 1855

Advert from Robertson’s guide, 1855

Stronachlachar Hotel around 1866 (George Washington Wilson)

“Rob Roy steamer, Loch Katrine:—The steamer Rob Roy will resume plying on Loch Katrine for the season, on and after Monday the 29th May, leaving the Trossachs every lawful day at 8 a.m. 12.30 and 3 p.m., and Stronachlachar at 10 a.m., 1.45 and 4.15 p.m.—The Trossachs, 16th May, 1854.”

Dissatisfaction with the Loch Katrine steamer service had also reached the owners and those otherwise most connected with the tourist trade. At the beginning of November, 1854, it was reported to a meeting if the Loch Lomond Steamboat Company:—

“That there had been meetings and correspondence with Mr M‘Gregor, Lord Willoughby’s tenant in Trossachs Inn, and also with Messieurs Blair and Ferguson, the Duke of Montrose’s tenants at Inversnaid and Coal-Barns, as to the necessity of having a new steamer built for Loch Catrine, the present steamer being neither suitable nor safe, and for obtaining an extension of the arrangement for the navigation of the Loch for another period of ten years upon the same terms and conditions as the existing arrangement, but that no definite arrangement could be come to with these gentlemen. The meeting, therefore, in order to ascertain the state of the steamer, agreed that Mr Robertson, the Government Inspector of steam vessels, should be requested to inspect her and furnish a report, and instructed the Secretary to send a copy of the report to the Duke’s chamberlain, Mr Jolly, and also to Mr Kennedy, the factor for Lord Willoughby, and to ask for an extension of the arrangement for the navigation of the Loch for another period of ten years upon the same terms and conditions as the arrangement now existing, and which expires next year.”

The inspection of the Rob Roy confirmed that a new steamer was required. The parties involved: hotel proprietors Messrs M‘Gregor, Blair and Ferguson, and the Loch Lomond Steamboat Company, assumed equal shares in the new steamer under the designation of the Loch Katrine Steamboat Company. On 5th April, 1855, at Dumbarton, it was agreed that the contract should placed with Mr Alexander Denny, Dumbarton, for building, finishing, and placing of the steamer on Loch Katrine ready for traffic by the end of June. The net cost was £2350.

“New Steamer for Lough Katrine—We learn that Mr. Denny, shipbuilder, here, has recently received orders to build an iron steamer to supersede the small paddle steamer Rob Roy, at present plying on Loch Katrine. She is to be about 100 feet long, and as she is to be fitted up in an elegant and commodious manner, something like ample accommodation of will soon be afforded to tourists and others frequenting the lake.—Dumbarton Herald”—Glasgow Herald, May 4, 1855

“New Steamer for Loch Katrine.-A beautiful new iron screw steamer, named the Rob Roy, has just been built and launched upon Loch Katrine, by Mir. Alexander Denny, of Dumbarton, for the accommodation of the passenger traffic betwixt the Trossachs and Stronaclhacan, and to replace the old paddle steamer of the same name, that was built upwards of ten years ago, and which had become rather frail and slow for the service. The Rob Roy is 100 feet long in the keel and fore-rake, 14 feet broad, and of sufficient depth, and she is propelled by two pretty little high-pressure engines of 20 to 30 horse power, driving a screw propeller of 4½ feet in diameter, and 11 feet pitch. With this power it is expected the Rob Roy will be able to make the passage betwixt the two points that have been named in considerably less time, than an hour, which, although nothing like the speed attained by the steamers on Clyde, or even those on Lochlomond, is quite sufficient to enable tourists to enjoy full views of the rare and rich scenery pertaining to Loch Katrine and the Trossachs. The Rob Roy, in addition to a capacious deck, possesses a comfortable and airy saloon, 38 feet long, by the breadth of the vessel; and this, in the event of wet weather, will be found a great advantage to passengers, as around the sides are 24 windows, which permit an inspection of the scenery almost equal to what can be obtained on deck. The Rob Roy was only commenced to be built about three months ago, by Alexander Denny at his building yard in Dumbarton. There, she was merely put together, and afterwards her plates were taken asunder and conveyed by water to Inversnaid, and again from thence, by the Duke of Montrose’s new road, to Stronaclachan, where, in a temporary yard, they were finally fitted and rivetted, and the vessel launched on Saturday night last. Although this was the case, she was all ready, with steam up, to receive a party from Glasgow and Dumbarton, composed principally of the owners and their friends, for the purpose of witnessing a trial trip, on Monday last, and this the Rob Roy performed with as much steadiness and completeness as though she had been afloat for years, instead of only a few hours.—Advertiser.”—Glasgow Herald, July 27, 1855 (Friday)

“Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond.—On and after Thursday, 26th July, the new steamer Rob Roy will ply daily on Loch Katrine, leaving Trossachs, or Stirling end, about 8 a.m., 1, and 4 p.m.; Coalbarns, or Lochlomond end, about 10 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m.—Glasgow, July 23, 1855.”—North British Daily Mail, August 24, 1855.

Some adverts of the day from the Stirling Observer:—

“Dowdy’s Temperance Hotel, opposite the Golden Lion, King Street.—This spacious, well-furnished, and established hotel, will be found possessing many recommendations for Commercial Gentlemen, Families, Tourists, and the Public generally, and is conducted in a manner securing at once comfort, convenience, and economy. It occupies a central situation, a Coach starting daily from the other side of the street for Callander, Trossachs, Loch Katrine, &c.,—is within two or three minutes’ walk of the Railway Station; and only few doors from the Office of the Bridge of Allan Omnibuses, which run hourly. The Rooms are commodious, and are provided with every convenience; the Bed-Room accommodation is excellent, and the whole arrangements are such as have given entire satisfaction to the patrons and frequenters of the House.

“W. Dowdy returns his grateful acknowledgments to the Public, and Strangers visiting Stirling, for the ample patronage accorded him during the last fourteen years, and hopes that, with larger premises, increased accommodation, and the utmost attention on his part, he will receive a liberal share of the public favour.—Stirling, 21st July, 1855.”

“Dread-Nought Hotel, Callander, (Late M‘Gregor’s.)—Archibald Menzies respectfully intimates that he has taken a lease of the above Establishment, so long occupied by Mr Alexander M‘Gregor, and has fitted up and furnished the whole Hotel in a style befitting the rising importance of this celebrated and picturesque district. Families will find the numerous apartments replete with every comfort and accommodation, the Dread-Nought having been long known as the head Hotel in Callander. A.M. begs to state that he has a conveyance daily at the East End of Loch Katrine, waiting the arrival of the steamer, at six o’clock p.m., with passengers from Lochlomond, &c, to convey them direct to the Dread-Nought Hotel, Callander, from which the Royal Sovereign coach starts every morning at 8 o’clock for Stirling.

From the annoyance to which strangers are subjected by the system of canvassing in favour of an old Monopoly Hotel, by hired agents, Mr Menzies thinks it due to the public respectfully to state that he has never resorted to means relying more on the attractions, comforts, and conveniences offered in his Hotel than to a system of canvassing which is so generally condemned by the public, and has long formed a perpetual annoyance to tourists travelling from Lochlomond to Loch Katrine.

“Post horses, with splendid new carriages of every description, may be had on the shortest notice. The “Royal Sovereign” Coaches run daily from the Royal Hotel, Stirling, to the Trossachs, in connection with this Hotel. A note per post the day previous, addressed to Mr Menzies, will secure apartments, post horses, or seats per Royal Sovereign coaches, on arrival. Dread-Nought Hotel, Callander, July, 1855.”—Stirling Observer, September 13, 1855

The opening of the Forth and Clyde Junction Railway linking Stirling with Balloch at the end of May, 1856, promised an increase in traffic. However the last up-train to Stirling connected with the steamer leaving Inversnaid at 2:40, too early for the coaches that left Stirling the same morning for Callander and the Trossachs for Rob Roy’s sailing at 4 p.m. The Trossachs tour thus remained one where the additional expense of a night on the road prevented participation by all but the wealthy. Excursions from Stirling and Edinburgh by the new railway could offer only a sail on Loch Lomond from Balloch to Tarbet and back.

“Loch-Katrine and the Trossachs. It is expected that there will be an immense increase of visitors to Loch-Katrine and the Trossachs this season. This is anticipated from various causes. There can be no question that the Forth and Clyde Railway, which is to be opened throughout in a few weeks, and which will convey passengers to the neighbourhood of Loch-Lomond, will prove a great inducement, by varying the route, to the tourist. The route will be opened up at least six weeks earlier than in former seasons, and various arrangements, by way of improvement, are intended to be carried out. New vehicles are to be placed on the road between Inversnaid and Colbarns, and from Loch-Katrine to Stirling. The new steamer Rob Roy will this season ply on Loch-Katrine.”—Inverness Courier, April 3, 1856

The major boost to business came two years later, in 1858, when the Bowling Railway was connected with Glasgow, opening on 31st of May, and, more importantly, the Dunblane, Doune, and Callander Railway that opened on the 1st of July.

“Dunblane, Doune, and Callander Railway.—Callander—The Trossachs—and Loch Katrine. This railway will be opened upon Thursday, 1st July, and passengers will be booked throughout to the Trossachs by rail and coach, from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, and Perth.—By order.—Perth, 29th June, 1858.”—Glasgow Herald, July 2, 1858

Almost at once, the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway introduced its Daily Circular Tour No. 1, leaving Edinburgh at 9.00 a.m., proceeding by Stirling, Callander, the Trossachs, Inversnaid, Balloch and Glasgow to arrive back in the Capital at 9.00 p.m. The cost was 23/-, and the tour from Glasgow was 18/-, first class by rail, cabin by steamer and outside by coach. The Trossachs were at last opened up to a much larger segment of the population.

Management of the new steamer was in the hands of the Lochlomond Company and they requested a lease of 15 years on the business. This did not sit well with the hotel proprietors who decided to wind up the Loch Katrine Company, and sell the Rob Roy, presumably with the intent of repurchasing the steamer, and excluding the Lochlomond Company as a partner.

“Small screw steamer for sale.—Upset price, £2400. The screw steamer Rob Roy, at present lying in Loch Catrine, near the Trossachs with all her gear and appurtenances. will be sold, by public roup, within M‘Gregor’s Hotel, Trossachs, on Friday the 28th May, at one o’clock. She is iron-built, 105 feet long, 13 feet beam, with direct acting high-pressure engines of 20 horse power, with a screw of four feet diameter. She may be inspected any day, on application at the Trossach’s Hotel; and, for further particulars, application may be made to Angus Macdonald, Banker, Callander; or Messrs. Dundas & Wilson, C.S, 16 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh.”—Glasgow Herald, May 24, 1858

The Lochlomond Company immediately obtained an injunction against the sale and there followed litigation to reclaim the injunction by the Hotel proprietors.

“Andrew Blair and others v The Lochlomond Steam-boat Company. This is a reclaiming note against a judgment of Lord Kinloch, the Lord Ordinary on the Bills, granting interdict against the reclaimer selling the Rob Roy, a boat plying on Loch Katrine, and of which the Lochlomond Company are part owners. The reclaimers maintain that they are the majority of the Loch Katrine Steam-Boat Company, to whom the Rob Roy belongs, and in that character they dissolved the company, and proceeded to sell the steamer. The Lochlomond Company maintain that the reclaimers are not a legal majority of the proprietors of the Rob Roy, and that at all events they are not entitled to sell that vessel without the consent of all their co-owners, unless they obtain judicial authority to sell. The Lochlomond Company have found caution for any loss which the reclaimers may suffer from the delay to sell, if they are found wrong in the process of interdict.

“The Court (Lord Curriehill dissenting) held that it was the safest course not to allow the parties to take the course of carrying through an irretrievable sale, but to pass the note and continue the interdict. Their Lordships therefore adhered to the Lord Ordinary’s Interlocutor. Counsel for the reclaimers—Mr Young and Mr A. B. Shand. Agents—Messrs Dundas & Wilson C.S. Counsel for the complainers—Mr Patton and Mr Millar. Agents—Messrs Davidson & Syme, W.S”—Glasgow Courier June 29 1858

The dissenting voice in the June judgement hear the case in the Court of Sessions in July and allowed the sale in July but the promise of further litigation induced the Duke of Montrose to intervene.

“The Loch Lomond Steam-boat Company.—A case was tried in the Court of Sessions in Edinburgh on Saturday, in which the above company figured as the plaintiffs. It was an action to prohibit the respondents from putting up to sale and selling the steamer Rob Roy, at present lying in Loch Katrine, against the consent of the complainers, or till judicial authority be obtained therefore in process of set and sale or otherwise. The facts were of an involved and uninteresting character; but the case resulted in a decision by Lord Curriehill, that the majority of the company were entitled to realize their assets by the sale of the vessel in the way they were doing.”—Thursday July 8, 1858

On 2nd February, 1859, the Duke of Montrose, offered the Lochlomond Steamboat Company £1200 together with their last two years’ dividends for the fourth share in Rob Roy. The offer was accepted and on 1st March, 1859, the Rob Roywas completely in the hands of the Hotel proprietors with no formal connection to the Loch Lomond service.

When the City of Glasgow was rapidly expanding in the 1840s, there were concerns about the adequacy of the water supply. In 1853, the Glasgow and Gorbals Gravitational Water Companies proposed to bring water from Loch Lubnaig but this was opposed by the Town Council who put in place a plan to buy out the companies and bring water from Loch Katrine. Parliamentary approval was obtained on the 2nd of July 1855, and the scheme was largely completed by the summer of 1859. Through a series of tunnels and aqueducts, water would be brought from the Trossachs to a reservoir at Mugdock on the north side of Glasgow. Dams were constructed on Lochs Katrine and Venachar and the level of Loch Katrine was raised as a result. To open the water-works, the Queen, then staying at Balmoral, was invited and on a very wet 14th of October, she arrived at Callander by train from whence she made her way by coach to the Trossachs pier where she boarded Rob Roy to sail to the site of the water works.

“The Queen at Loch Katrine.—The Glasgow Water Works.—Friday the 14th of October, will long be notched as a memorable day in the annals of Glasgow, and in the remembrance of the inhabitants residing the interesting regions along Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine. Her Majesty had accepted in the most gracious manner the invitation of the Glasgow Water Commissioners to inaugurate the introduction to the city of the pure fountains of Loch Katrine; and, accordingly, her Majesty fulfilled her promise on the above day, and the opening of the sluice took place under the most favourable circumstances, albeit the weather at times was of a truly Highland character, and exhibited in a most unmistakable manner the devotion and endurance of an immense number who proceeded to the scene of the ceremony. Her Majesty, with the Prince Consort, and suite, left Edinburgh, and proceeded by railway to Callander, and thence by carriage to the Trossachs (as more fully narrated below), whence she embarked in the Rob Roy on Loch Katrine, and proceeded to the mouth of the tunnel by which the waters are introduced to the aqueduct.

“As piece of preliminary explanation, we may state that the tunnel opens into the south bank of the loch, at a point about mile and half to the east of Stronachlachar Hotel, which is not far distant from the old landing-place of Coalbarns. The tunnel thus faces the northeastern extremity of the loch, the upper reach of which terminates in the well-known territory of Glengyle. Here the mountain rises from the loch in a series of rugged and irregular terraces, and from a jutting-point at the base a semi-circular alcove has been cut out of the rock, and at the centre of it, and below the level of the lake, the tunnel is cut. Embracing this semi-circle, and in front of it, a substantial octagonal platform has been erected of great capacity, the supporting pillars of which rest on the solid rock, some ten or twelve feet below the surface of the water. At the centre of this platform a pretty dais has been erected, which is covered by an open rustic temple, the roof of which is thatched with the many-tinted juniper, heath, oak, and alder, and, above all, is the Royal Crown. Upon this dais her Majesty performed the grand ceremony of the day. Looking towards the mountain side, on the right a magnificent gallery has been raised for the accommodation of the visitors. It is fringed all round with branches of the holly and birch, the leaves of which dip into the loch. Advantage has been taken of two alcove-like recesses in the rock, into which two minor or supplementary galleries have been fixed, for the accommodation of the beauty and fashion attracted to this spot from far and wide. Her Majesty, as we have said, occupied the dais, from the floor of which rises a small golden-like pillar to the height of three feet, to which is attached elegant index-lever. Her Majesty, by a simple touch of this instrument, sets in motion a small but very complete hydraulic engine, at a distance of twenty yards, and which in turn is immediately over, and attached to, and commands, the sluice. After the Queen has touched this index-lever, the wheel of the hydraulic apparatus is seen to move rapidly, as it moves it raises the sluices, and the water, hitherto confined in the bounds of the loch, is attracted to the tunnel, down which it pours in a glorious stream on its blessed mission to tens of thousands. The process by which the sluice is raised is indeed a very interesting one: A tiny rill filched from the mountain side at an elevation of 95 feet, and by the power of gravitation it opens the sluice, which may be said to move all the waters of this great loch, amounting to millions on millions of tons; and, once moved, these vast liquid stores are, by the same power of gravitation, supplied to the topmost storeys in Glasgow. And yet the column of water which performs the initial work this great process is not much thicker than your finger.

“The platform, to which we have adverted, has been tastefully covered with crimson cloth, and the dais is elegantly laid with the same material; and in front of this rustic temple is pretty floral arch. The galleries, filled with all that is manly and beautiful, whose countenances were lighted with the hue of health and the smile of joy, presented, despite the weather, a scene altogether most animating and lightsome. Above and behind the galleries, leading to the Commissioners’ cottage, the Volunteer Rifle Corps were stationed in excellent order, and behind them stood the onlookers, occupying, in a mighty mass, terrace upon terrace, upon the mountain sides; and yet, so admirably was advantage taken of the ground, that the whole scene below, including every movement of her Majesty as she stood front of the loch, wan visible to every gazer.

“To the left of the dais a sloping ascent of about 150 yards leads to the Commissioners’ cottage, which is picturesquely situated on a small spit of lofty tableland, which rises from the margin of the loch. The cottage has been erected by the Commissioners for the accommodation of their sluice-keeper and his assistant, with two or three apartments for their own use, when they happen to visit this the head-quarters of their water supply. The cottage has a simple but pleasing aspect, and not unlike a pretty, plain sea-side residence.

“Upon a long slip of level ground behind the fabric above noticed, stands the hall appropriated for the banquet or lunch for the guests. It is in all 140 feet in length, by 28 in breadth, and has all the adjuncts of ladies’ and gentlemen’s retiring rooms. Within it has very spacious and lightsome appearance, being tastefully draped in crimson and white; and running round the side are well-got-up tables, covered with viands and vivers, exactly of the kind to mollify and moistify an appetite sharpened by the mountain air.

“The Royal Standard floated in front of the cottage, flanked at no great distance by the local banners of Glasgow; and, as far as the eye could reach, banners fluttered in the breeze—that is when there was a breeze, which occurred but rarely—from every mountain top.

“Upon the loch, too, the arrangements were of a most excellent kind. The pretty little Rob Roy steamer, the only craft of the kind on Loch Katrine, presented herself in a new and attractive form. Externally she was as gay and bright as paint could make her, but her principal attraction stood on the centre of her deck, in the form of very fine glass paviilion, destined for the use of her Majesty and surmounted by the crown. The furnishing and decorating of this little apartment was fine, and quite in keeping with the enchanting scenery through which the steamer carried the Queen. The tiny cabin was fitted white and gold, and the panels were filled with nicely executed vignettes illustrative of the story and scenery of “Lady of the Lake.” The upholstery was formed of the Royal Stuart tartan.

“The arrangements for conveying the Water Commissioners, their friends, and the general public, to the scene of the inauguration were made most amply and in the most satisfactory manner, in connection with the railway and steamship companies. The routes selected were four in number, namely:—The Loch Lomond route, by rail to Balloch and steamer to Inversnaid, thence to the aqueduct, which route was employed by the Commissioners and those whom they invited; the Arrochar route, by steamer to Arrochar, thence to Tarbet and Inversnaid; the Aberfoyle route, by rail to Bucklyvie, to Aberfoyle and head of Loch Chon; and the Callander route, by rail to Callander, thence to the Trossachs. Besides these we may mention that for the past week people have been dropping in about the locality of Loch Katrine, in preparation for the event; and their number was augmented by a great many people during the course of Thursday. All descriptions of conveyances were brought into requisition.

“The Water Commissioners and their party, numbering in all about three hundred persons, left Glasgow in the morning at half-past six precisely, by train. The anxious thoughts of all the party were of course directed to the subject of the weather, which presented anything but a favourable aspect. The doubts which began to prevail to the probability of the day being fine were soon confirmed by heavy showers of rain which succeeded the mist in the midst of which the train left the city, and before reaching Balloch it was evident that there was no likelihood of the weather clearing np. After leaving the train, the whole company found their way into the Prince of Wales, one of the steamers lying at the pier, and which immediately proceeded up Lochlomond. Breakfast was served on board. During the sail the prospect was anything but pleasant, in consequence of the rain, which came pouring down in torrents, many of the party becoming quite drenched. At Balmaha the steamer stopped and took up the following distinguished persons, viz.:—the Duke and Duchess of Montrose, Lord Ernest Bruce, Lady Emily Foley, Lady Violet Graham, Lady Harriet Herbert, Mr and Lady Charlotte Montgomerie, Captain and Lady Agnes Murray, Mr Huddleston, Q.C., Mr Mitford of the Foreign Office, and Thomas Price, Esq. Among the other passengers we noticed—Members of the Town Council and Water Commission, Dr Strang, City Chamberlain, Rev. Dr Hill, Rev. Dr Norman M‘Leod of the Barony, Rev. Professor Eadie, Rev. Dr Gillan, W. Campbell, Esq. of Tillichewan, Dr Easton, Professor Rankine, P. Blackburn, Esq. of Killearn, M.P., James Crum, Esq. of Busby, Mr Sheriff Bell, Deacon-Convener M‘Lellan, &c. The steamer took up some other passengers at Tarbet.

“The Prince of Wales arrived at Inversnaid about half-past nine, where the company disembarked. Carriages were in waiting to convey them to Stronachlachar, and were gallantly handed over by the gentlemen for the accommodation the ladies, to whom it would have been a severe toil as well as horrible punishment to have trudged seven miles over the hills on a very heavy road, and in the midst of a drizzling rain, and sometimes a deluge. After the ladies were all duly provided for, the accommodation was eagerly enough, it may be imagined, taken advantage of by the gentlemen nearest the empty carriages, the rest pedestrianising all the way. Passing along the road, we could not shut out from view the ruined fort of Inversnaid, once the residence of the immortal Wolfe, the conqueror of Quebec. This little fort was built on the property of Inversnaid, then rented from the Duke of Montrose by Rob Roy. It was twice surprised by that daring freebooter and his followers. After Culloden, it was thoroughly repaired, and made head-quarters for a Captain’s command, to enforce the “Rebellion Statutes.” A number of small sub-posts were spread out from it, into the neighbouring wild country towards Loch Katrine, Loch Arklet, Loch Chon, &c. Latterly, two old ladies, named Misses M‘Farlane, lived in the fort under the permission of the Duke of Montrose. It may be interesting to state that the grandfather the late venerable Principal Macfarlan of Glasgow remembered having seen Wolfe at Inversnaid.

“From Stronachlachar, at the head of Loch Katrine, those of the party who arrived in the carriages proceeded in boats, specially provided, to the entrance of the great aqueduct, at which the arrangements had been made, as above detailed, for the performance of the ceremony of inaugurating the works. By and by, the pedestrian part of the company began to pour in, mud-stained, with inflamed and excited countenances, and bodies steaming with perspiration from within, and with never-ending rain water from without.

“The Commissioners, on arriving at the place of ceremony, found matters in a high state of preparation, and the ground well looked after by a strong body of the Glasgow City Police under the superintendence of Captain Smart and Mr M‘Call. His Grace the Duke of Atholl, accompanied by a number of his famous Highlanders, had also reached the place, and taken up their position. His Grace was accompanied by the Duchess and party, who had come over the hills on horseback.

“From this time till nearly two o’clock, the arrivals were fast and numerous. Detachments of the various Volunteer Rifle Corps of Glasgow, numbering fully three hundred men, arrived shortly after the Commissioners. They walked in a body from Inversnaid to the mouth of the aqueduct, and as they came across the hill presented an appearance deserving of high praise, in consideration of the progress which they have made in drill and exercise since their enrolment. After refreshing themselves they in a very soldierly manner, took up their position as the guard of honour along each side of the covered pathway to the cottage prepared for her Majesty. We were delighted to observe the capital pluck which the Riflemen presented in this, their first campaign, and it was a trying one. They stood the march and the weather admirably, and came in unblown, and perfectly fit for any duty to which they might have been called.

“At fifteen minutes to seven o’clock the fine steamer Hero started from the Broomielaw, with a large turn-out of the members and friends of the Celtic Society, and the 4th or Artisan Company of the Volunteer Rifles. The weather was very lowering; but despite a thick, foggy rain which set in, the party seemed very hopeful that an improvement would take place mid-day. Greenock was duly reached, but there matters looked worse. The spirits of the company, however, were considerably elevated by the addition of Celtic gentlemen. The rain continued to fall in torrents; and the party, on arriving at Arrochar, trudged to Tarbert, and then took steamer across the loch, when, “droukit” and dirty, they with wonderful good nature and perseverance really began their loyal journey, in pelting rain, over a road almost impassible with mud. Three pipers who accompanied the party did good service during the route. Colonel Campbell of Skipness, J. W. M‘Gregor, Esq., Mr Donald Campbell, treasurer, Mr Duncan Campbell, secretary, and the other office-bearers of the society, were most assiduous in their exertions to promote the interest of the occasion. Altogether the assembled Celts in their Highland costume, and with their swords and halberts acquitted themselves with their wonted spirit and loyalty—well deserving the high compliment of the Duke of Atholl to the President, Colonel Campbell, that they turn out the best body of men in connection with the clans.

“Among the parties who joined the company at the inauguration we observed—Lord Robert Clinton, Lord Arthur Lennox, Sir James Colquhoun of Luss, R. Dalglish, Esq., M. P., Alex. Finlay, Esq. of Castle Toward, M.P., H. E. Crum Ewing, Esq. M. P., Colonel Pole, Geo. Burns, Esq., and party, &c. We understand that Mr Burns and his friends proceeded in the fine steamer Stag to Arrochar on Thursday night, crossed to Tarbet on Friday morning, boated thence to Inversnaid, and then drove to the scene of operations—returning by the same route. In preparation for the reception of the Queen, a detachment of the 79th Highlanders from Stirling, Capt. Scovell commanding, was ranged along each side of the platform, from the landing-place to the Royal dais, and in front of them stood the Water Commissioners. The Band of the Sussex Militia was also in attendance.

“As the hour approached at which it was anticipated her Majesty would arrive, the expectations of the thousands assembled on the platform and on the hill rose to high pitch; and when, at twenty-two minutes to two o’clock, the smoke of the steamer Rob Roy was observed in the distance, the multitude sent forth an enthusiastic shout, which awoke the echoes far and wide. The Rob Roy came gracefully sailing up the loch, and as it neared the platform the crowd again sent a loud huzzah, which her Majesty and the Prince Consort acknowledged in the usual manner. At five minutes past two the Queen stepped on shore from the glazed pavilion, and was led up to the dais by Prince Albert, amid shouts and waving of hats and handkerchiefs, the band playing the Queen’s Anthem. Their Royal Highnesses the Princess Alice and Princess Helena stood beside their Royal parents, who were attended by the Duke of Newcastle, the Hon. General Grey, the Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel Ponsonby, the ladies in waiting—Lady Churchill and the Hon. Miss Cathcart. As her Majesty was led up to the dais, she stopped for a second between the rows of ladies and gentlemen who lined each side of the crimson pathway, and, noticing the Duchess of Atholl, cordially saluted her on the cheek. Lady Willoughby D’Eresby was conveyed from the Trossachs a barge rowed six men in the Drummond tartan, and arrived at the same time as her Majesty—The Lord Provost and Magistrates, along with three chairmen of committees of the Water Commission, and the Rev. Craik, who accompanied her Majesty from the Trossachs in the Rob Roy to the mouth of the aqueduct, ranged themselves near the Royal party. The Earl of Mansefield, who had also come up in the Rob Roy, stationed himself near the Royal dais, and there also we observed Sheriff E. S. Gordon, of Perth, and other distinguished persons.

The Queen and Rob Roy at Loch Katrine (Illustrated London News)

“Her Majesty, having taken her place in the centre, Burnet, as secretary to the Commissioners, read the following address, in a very distinct voice:—To the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty. Most Gracious Sovereign, We, your Majesty’s loyal and dutiful subjects, the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council of the city of Glasgow, Commissioners appointed by statute for executing and carrying into effect “The Glasgow Corporation Water Works Act, 1855,” beg leave approach the Throne with renewed assurances of our loyal and devoted attachment to your Majesty’s person and Government.

“Your Majesty’s gracious condescension, in deigning to patronise with your Royal presence the inauguration of this great public work—alike important to the social and domestic comfort and enjoyment of the numerous inhabitants of the city of Glasgow, whose interests are entrusted to our management, as of incalculable benefit to many branches of manufacturing and commercial industry in the city and neighbourhood—will long be held in grateful remembrance by your Majesty’s subjects in that portion of your dominions, and affords another proof of the fostering care and countenance uniformly bestowed by your Majesty on every work calculated to promote the well-being and happiness of your people.

“It is with ordinary feelings of pride and satisfaction that we are enabled this day to state to your Majesty that we have completed one of the most interesting and difficult works of engineering, and, at the same time, the largest and most comprehensive scheme for the supply of water which has yet been accomplished in your Majesty’s dominions. The deficient and unsatisfactory condition of the water supply, which much of the health and comfort of the inhabitants depended, determined the Corporation of Glasgow some years ago, to purchase the works of the Water Companies then existing, and to take the supply of water into their own hands. For this purpose an Act of Parliament was obtained, which received your Majesty’s Royal Assent on the 2d day of July, 1855. Empowered this Act, the Commissioners came to these wild and romantic regions for that copious supply of pure water of which the large and rapidly increasing population of Glasgow stood in need. This beautiful and extensive Loch of pure water, fed by a large amount of annual rainfall, and lying at an elevation of 360 feet above the sea, was selected as the fountain-head. The rugged district, of thirty-four miles in extent, which intervenes between the Loch and the City has been penetrated by tunnels, crossed by aqueducts, or traversed by iron pipes, in the execution of the necessary works for ultimately conveying to the city no less than fifty million gallons of water per day. The tunnel, at the mouth of which your Majesty now stands, and into which the water of Loch Katrine is to flow, is eight feet in diameter, 2325 yards in length, and 600 feet below the summit of the mountain under which it passes. It is the first of a series of 70 distinct tunnels, of the same diameter, which measure in the aggregate 13 miles in length, the longest being at the southern extremity the works, and 2650 yards in length.

“Loch Katrine, Loch Venacher, and Loch Drunkie, are all laid under contribution, either for the supply of the city, or for affording an increased and more regular supply in dry seasons, to the River Teith, below Loch Venacher, as compensation for the privilege of diverting fifty million gallons per day to Glasgow. The total area of these lochs upwards of 4000 acres, and the available capacity within the limits to which they may be drawn off is one hundred and sixty million cubit feet of water.

“The works have been about three years and six months in course of execution, under the able management of our talented engineer, Mr John Frederic Bateman, and have given employment to about three thousand men in the country for a large portion of that time, besides iron-founders and mechanics engaged in the manufacture of the iron pipes, and in the various iron work and machinery connected with the works. The cost of construction of the new works will be between £600,000 and £700,000, and the total cost of the undertaking the city, including the purchase of the works of the former water companies, compensation for land, water privileges, and other expenses, will be nearly one million five hundred thousand pounds. The present population of the city and suburbs to be supplied with water extends to upwards of five hundred thousand.

“We have thought it to be our duty thus humbly to lay before your Majesty this short sketch of the undertaking which you have been so graciously pleased to honour with your Royal countenance; and we doubt not that the blessings which we confidently expect will attend the introduction of this water into Glasgow will ever call to the remembrance of its inhabitants how much they owe to the benignant rule, and the pure and virtuous example of that much loved and ever honoured Sovereign, with whose name this work will now for ever be associated.

“That the All-wise and Supreme Disposer of events may continue to bless and protect your Majesty, his Royal Highness the Prince Consort, and your illustrious family—and that your Majesty may be long spared to reign over a free, a happy, and a loyal people, is our sincere and earnest prayer. Signed by me, Lord Provost and Chief Magistrate of Glasgow, Chairman of the Commissioners, in their name and by their appointment:—ln testimony whereof the common seal of the said city is hereunto affixed, this fourteenth day of October, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-nine.

“The Lord Provost thereafter presented the MS. copy of the address, which was exquisitely written on vellum, to the Queen.

“Her Majesty then, in her clear, distinct, and musical voice, which was audible even to the mountain side, read the following reply, which, in her own MS., was afterwards handed to the Lord Provost:—

“I accept with great satisfaction your loyal and affectionate address, and thank you sincerely for the expression your attachment to my throne and person, and for the cordial welcome with which you have received me.

“It is with much gratification that I avail myself of this opportunity of inaugurating the work which, both in its conception and its execution, reflects so much credit upon its promoters, and is calculated to improve the health and comfort of the vast population, which rapidly increasing round the great centre of manufacturing industry in Scotland.

“Such a work is worthy of the spirit of enterprise and the philanthropy of Glasgow, and I trust that it will be blessed with complete success.

“I desire that you will convey to the great community which you represent my earnest wishes for their continued prosperity and happiness.”

“Loud cheers followed the reading of the Queen’s reply.

“The Magistrates of Glasgow, the Water Commissioners, and other gentlemen, were then presented to her Majesty, by the Lord Provost. The Rev. Dr Craik now offered up a thanksgiving for the accomplishment of the work, and prayed for blessing upon it. The terms of the Rev. Doctor’s impressive prayer are as follow:—

“Almighty and ever blessed God, who art the Most High over all the earth, unto Thee would we lift up our souls. We would draw near with deep humility, for we are Thy weak and sinful creatures, and Thou art glorious in Thy holiness. Thou, Lord, art an infinitely powerful Creator. Thou hast measured the waters in the hollow of Thy hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in balance. We would worship Him who hath made heaven and earth, and the sea and the fountains of waters. Thou, O Lord, hast granted us life and favour, and for all the faculties with which we have been endowed we would offer unto Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving. To Thee we are indebted for wisdom to devise, and skill to execute. From Thee are the zeal and fortitude by which enterprises of vast extent are begun and successfully completed. Girded with power, it is in Thine hand to give strength to all; and now, O Lord, that we have seen the accomplishment of work deemed important to be inaugurated by the Sovereign of these realms, and recalling the enduring monuments of Imperial Rome, we would render our united and heartfelt thanks unto Thee for all the favour which Thou hast most graciously bestowed on this great undertaking, and the varied energies summoned into exercise from its commencement to its close. Thou hast strengthened the sinews of the labourers, and animated to persevering toil, and by Thy blessing on their strenuous activity, the work hath gone on fast, and prospered their hands. For all the skill with which difficulties have been anticipated and overcome, and the success with which the design has been carried into effect, and the glad consciousness of well-doing enjoyed by its benevolent projectors, we thank thee, O our God, and praise thy glorious name. Grant, O Lord, we fervently pray, that the benefits of this stupendous work may be richly felt by the present inhabitants of that city with which it is connected and by succeeding generations. May all classes of the citizens be gladdened by the refreshing stream which Thou hast abundantly provided. May it supply a copious and purifying tide, conveying, through thy blessing, health and comfort, even to the humblest dwellings; and ever as such benefits are longer and more widely known, may there arise to Thee from thousands and tens of thousands songs of grateful acknowledgment, seeing, that by Thy power and blessing, the waters gushed out and the stream overflowed. Bless, O Lord, our native land. Abundantly bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Victoria. Greatly enrich her with all spiritual and temporal blessings. Bless the Prince Consort, Albert Prince of Wales, and all the other members of the Royal family. O God, bestow on them the richest tokens of Thy favour. Shower down Thy blessing on the Magistrates of our city, and on those who are associated with them. Reward them with better than earthly blessings, for their zealous labours in this and all good works, and give them the gratification of feeling that their high endeavour has been crowned with great success. Bless, O Lord, the Christian Church. Grant that the supply of temporal wants may ever remind us of the exceeding riches of Thy grace, in thy kindness towards us, through Christ Jesus. Sinners by nature and by practice, may we thus obtain pardon and acceptance. While we contemplate with admiration the works accomplished by man’s skill and labour, may we never resign our hearts with exclusive eagerness to any immediate objects of pursuit, forsaking Thee, the fountain of living waters, and hewing out for ourselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Rejoicing now in the river that makes glad the City of our God, may we be enabled to look, in the exercise of faith, to a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. Hear, O God, our humble supplication, for the sake of Christ Jesus, our Redeemer, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be ascribed all praise and glory, dominion and blessing world without end. Amen.

“Her Majesty then proceeded to the great work of the day, but, great as it was, it may be said to have been performed in the twinkling of an eye, for, by the arrangements previously narrated, she merely touched the beautiful index handle, when the rill of water from the hill-side instantly came into play upon the hydraulic apparatus, and the sluice rose for the admission to the tunnel of the waters of Loch Katrine. The Queen thereupon declared the Water-Works open, which announcement was received with tremendous cheers—the band performing the Queen’s Anthem, and the artillery, brought by the Duke of Atholl, firing a sonorous round from the platform in front of the Commissioners’ cottage. This conveyed the intelligence to Callander, where cannon, from Leith Fort, were discharged, and in a few minutes afterwards the artillery at Stirling Castle announced the great fact to the East of Scotland, and the Edinburgh artillery took up the “wondrous tale.” From Callander the news was telegraphed to Glasgow, where the bells were immediately set a-ringing. The ceremony being thus happily terminated, the Lord Provost conducted her Majesty along the narrow railed platform which led to the tunnel itself, and here the Queen, as we have been informed, looked with much apparent pleasure upon the rush of waters into the new channel which she had just opened for them. On her return her Majesty was again loudly cheered, and she was thereafter conducted (accompanied Prince Albert, the Royal Princesses, and her suite), the Lord Provost, to the Commissioners’ cottage, where a splendid repast had been prepared for the Royal party.

“When her Majesty emerged after luncheon, the Duke of Montrose presented to her Mr Clark, curator of the Botanic Garden, who offered her a magnificent bloom of the beautiful Victoria Regia, which is so excellently cultivated in the Botanic Garden. Her Majesty graciously accepted the gift, and expressed her admiration of the flower. We understand that this is the twenty-eighth bloom of this year’s plant.

“The Royal cortege then, amid the renewed booming of cannon, re-embarked on board the Rob Roy, and about three o’clock started on their return to the Trossachs, thence to Callander by carriage, and train to Edinburgh, arriving St Margaret’s Station at 7 p.m. The rain, which had happily ceased during her Majesty’s presence, started again in full force the moment the Royal back was turned upon the tunnel of Loch Katrine. The whole of the arrangements and preparations for the Royal reception at the tunnel were under the care of Mr Graham, the Master of Works, and Mr Carrick, the City Architect. Considering the recent period when her Majesty signified her gracious intention of being present, and the thousand difficulties in the way of preparing for a Royal visit in the heart of the Highlands, the labours of these gentlemen were infinitely greater than most people are aware of, involving, as they did, an amount of care, ingenuity, and organisation, which are never called for in the case of the grandest city demonstration. In fact, everything, from a log of wood to a nail, had to be carried to the spot. Captain Smart, as we have stated, was present, in charge of a large and efficient body of police, which rendered valuable service contributing to the orderly arrangements of the ceremony, and interdicting the presence of a light fingered deputation from Glasgow, which was on the way to pay its respects to the pockets of her Majesty’s lieges; but the fellows who formed it, amounting to half a dozen, did not get any farther than Inversnaid. They were sent back the way they came. Mr Meffen, of the Stirlingshire County Police, had an active and efficient body of men at Inversnaid, whose services were valuable.

“But for the unhappy character of the weather, the event would have been one of the most delightful which has taken place in these parts; but as carriage accommodation was limited between Inversnaid and the tunnel, we are afraid that both ladies and gentlemen must have suffered from the rain, which fell in sheets, and from roads which were as terrible as those between Balaklava and Sebastopol. We are afraid that many must have been left behind in regions where bed-room accommodation was scarcely to be had for love or money.

“We may mention, as a very curious incident, that no sooner had her Majesty proceeded to the cottage, than two courageous navvies, attired in a garb specially made for the occasion, and having some resemblance to the holiday trappings of a London waterman, embarked in a shallow flat-bottomed boat, and, accompanied by a young gentleman whose name we have not yet heard, set out on voyage of discovery down the tunnel. Where they emerged to the light of day, and what they saw, we have not yet learned, but it is enough to say that the incident created a good deal of amusement.

“Perils and adventures of the excursionists.—The Glasgow Herald of Monday devotes a column and a half to an account of the miseries, experiences, and dangers encountered by those who went to see the ceremony at Loch-Katrine. After a weary travel to Loch-Lomond, the crowds got on board the steamer just as it grew dark. A delusive hazy glimmer played athwart the whole sky; sometimes the gloom became intense, followed by a deluge of rain which lasted three minutes, and then a patch light was seen on the right; in three minutes more it went out there, and, like a Will of the Wisp, appeared on the left. And all this while we were navigating, without light or beacon, a channel or channels, studded with islets in every direction, which sent their rocky backs sheer from the deep. The vessel was managed with extreme caution; but the captain and steersman must have gone on more from their recollections of the loch by day, than from any bearings they could take at night. Often and again, looking over the side, we noticed that the vessel had just escaped one of those dangerous islands by the distance of a few yards. When about half-way down, a low hazy line appeared right a-head; in a second or two, it disappeared; there was a new shifting in the clouds, and again the black line danced in view. At this moment, a voice on the quarter-deck exclaimed, “Keep her off, keep her off; you’re upon Inchfad!” and immediately the gentleman who had so uttered the warning (and who was said to be the Duke of Montrose) sprung upon the paddlebox. The engine was instantly stopped, and then reversed; and, after going backwards a long space, a new course was taken; and the low point of Inchfad was cleared—a gleam of light revealing to us that if we had steamed on in our original course the steamer must have gone right upon these perpendicular rocks, and would, in all likelihood, have gone down in five minutes in deep water. At Balmaha, which was discovered with some difficulty, the Duke of Montrose and party, Mr Blackburn, M.P., and others were landed. After this the navigation became less intricate, and though the weather was still dense and gloomy Balloch was reached in safety. The steamer which followed went over in the first instance to Tarbert, where, seeing the ticklish state of matters, a large number of those on board, including many of the Glasgow Rifles, left her, trusting in Providence to find them shelter either there or at Arrochar. Others remained on board, and after waiting an hour or two, the weather cleared up a little, and the vessel went safely down the loch. In the course of Saturday the visitors reached Glasgow from various points, not a few of them looking back upon their expedition to Loch Katrine and its tunnel as a day of magnificent misery, relieved by a gleam of Royal sunshine.

“On Saturday, under the auspices of splendid autumnal weather, the proceedings connected with the pageant were wound up very gaily. The Atholl Highlanders were encamped in tents at Ledard, on the banks of Loch Ard, about five and a half miles from the tunnel, and they marched there and bivouached the night after the ceremony. On the following morning they marched down to Stronachlachar, with the Duke at their head, and accompanied by the Duchess and her friends—Mrs Sutton and Miss Macgregor. We think it right to state that the city of Glasgow is under great obligations to the Duke of Atholl for the share he took in the proceedings. When he applied to the Lord Provost to assist in the demonstration, he made no stipulation as to how he was to be brought there, accommodated, and sent back, but said, “I’ll find way to Loch-Katrine along with my men, and bring you guns for a Royal salute, if you cannot get them otherwise.” It would appear that Her Majesty’s artillery officers did not bring their cannon any further than the Trossachs, up to which point they found good rail and road. The Duke of Atholl, however, sent three guns over the hills from Dunkeld, and but for their sonorous voice Her Majesty’s arrival at, and departure from, the tunnel, would have been very quiet one. The scene at Stronachlachar on the night of the inauguration was an extraordinary one. Bed-room, dining-room, parlours, passages, stairs, sheds, hay-lofts, and the inside of carriages and omnibuses were filled with weary people, thankful to throw their limbs to rest anywhere, and at any price, after the toil and drenching of the day. They were glad to set out at the earliest peep of dawn next day for Inversnaid, and the landlord, to exhibit his sincere regret at parting with them, charged double fare for his omnibus passengers.”—Stirling Observer, October 20, 1859

Royal patronage ensured an upturn in traffic and the future of the steamer on Loch Katrine was assured. The Rob Roycontinued on the station with little incident until the end of the century.

In the middle of August, 1864, the Prince and Princess of Wales, together with their infant son, made their way from Inversnaid to the Trossachs, and the Queen again sailed on the Loch in 1869, this time making her way to visit Loch Lomond.

“Visit to Loch Lomond.—The Queen on Saturday made a voyage on Loch-Lomond, accompanied by Princess Louise and Princess Beatrice, and attended by Lady Churchill and Colonel Ponsonby. Proceeding from Invertrossachs by Loch-Vennachar and Loch-Achray, the Royal party took steamer Loch-Katrine, and sailed to Stranachlachar, whence they continued the journey in carriages Loch-Lomond, going on board the steamer Prince Consort at Inversnaid. The steamer sailed down the east side of the loch, close by the base of Benlomond, passing Rowardennan and Balmaha, and between number of the principal islands, returning by the west side of the lake by Luss and Tarbet to Ardlui, and thence to Inversnaid, from which the Royal party returned to Invertrossachs. Except during luncheon, which was served in the main saloon of the steamer between one and two o’clock (and during which time the steamer was stopped, that the Royal party might not lose the sight of any the beautiful scenery)—Her Majesty remained on deck all the time. She, as also Princess Louise, was occupied during considerable portion of the journey in sketching the scenery —among the sketches being one of Ben Lomond and Rob Roy’s Cave. Large numbers of persons were assembled at the different piers, by whom Her Majesty was greeted with loyal cheers. Flags were displayed from the residences the leading gentry, and a salute of cannon was fired from Rossdhu, the seat of Sir James Colquhoun, Bart.”—Glasgow Evening Citizen, September 6, 1869

Commercial photography came to the Trossachs in the 1860s and the following is an album of early views of some of the scenery and the steamer Rob Roy from slides and albumen photographs. These date from before 1880.

Pass of the Trossachs with the track heavily rutted by the coach traffic (GWW)

Ellen’s Isle (GWW)

The Silver Strand (GWW)

The boathouse at Trossachs

Trossachs Pier (GWW)

Rob Roy at Trossachs in 1860s (GWW)

Rob Roy around 1870 (GWW)

Rob Roy at Trossachs (James Valentine)

Rob Roy at Stronachlachar around 1870 (GWW)

Enlargement of above

Rob Roy at Trossachs

Inspection of the Glasgow Waterworks in the 1870s

The Stronachlachar Hotel was expanded in the 1870s.

Stronachlachar around 1880 (GWW)

Enlargement of above

The Glasgow water-scheme opened in 1859 allowed for an increase in the water-level in Loch Katrine by 4 feet. However, by the early 1880s, the water supply was falling short of the needs of the metropolis and new Acts of Parliament were obtained in 1882 and 1885 that authorized the construction of a new dam together with a second aqueduct and allowed the level of the loch a further increase of 5 feet. A rise in the level of this magnitude threatened to inundate the piers and the hotel at Stronachlachar. Glasgow Corporation purchased the Hotel and a new Hotel was built on higher ground together with a new pontoon pier at the west end. The Trossachs pier was also replaced by a pontoon as the waters rose.

“Owing to the Cholera Scare upon the continent last summer, the Scotch Highlands were visited by an unusually large number of tourists. Preparations are now being made to increase the hotel accommodation at several of the most favourite resorts. Plans have been prepared for the erection of a new hotel at the head of Loch Katrine, to replace the present Stronachlachar Hotel, the existing budding having been acquired by the Glasgow Corporation, in connection with their new waterworks improvement scheme. The site which has been selected for the new building is considerably higher than that of the present hotel, commanding a magnificent view of Loch Katrine and the surrounding hills. The erection of a hotel and refreshment-rooms on the summit of Ben Lomond is also proposed. The success winch has attended a similar establishment on the top of Ben Nevis should certainly justify the speculation.”—Leeds Times, March 27, 1886

The new Stronachlachar Hotel

“The new Glasgow waterworks.—On Saturday afternoon the Lord Provost of Glasgow cut the first sod the new works for the extension of the Glasgow water supply. The event has more than local significance, for the scheme has in contemplation alteration of the appearance of a large portion of the most beautiful part of the Lake District of Scotland. It is intended to extend the area of Loch Katrine, from which the supply of water has been drawn for 30 years, by raising its level five feet higher than it now is. This will have the effect of partially submerging the silver strand on Helen’s Isle, of flooding the site occupied by Stronachlachar Hotel, and raising the water above the level of the peninsular on which is situated the churchyard where lie interred the bones of Clan Gregor, so famous in Highland history. An attempt will be made, however, to protect the burying ground by embanking it. The neighbouring sheet of water, Loch Arklet, will also be increased in depth. The operations will have the effect of increasing the supply of water drawn from Loch Katrine from 35,000,000 gallons to 110,000,000 gallons per day. The cost of the new works will be about £1,000,000 sterling. At the present time the capital of the Water Commissioners is £2,202,789.”—Manchester Courier, May 3, 1886

In the meantime, the Glasgow Water Commissioners, used the old hotel as a private holiday residence. Something that drew the attention of the public!

“Invergyle and Loch Katrine Cottage, the two houses owned by the Glasgow Water Commissioners the head of Loch Katrine, will now be occupied fortnight about by the Commissioners till the end of September. The houses are delightfully situated, and one of them, at least—the cottage, to wit—is a very convenient summer residence. Invergyle was of old known as Stronachlachar Hotel, and it is roomy old-fashioned place, which, when the deepening of Loch Katrine takes place, may probably be submerged. It has been asked why those houses should be furnished at the Corporation expense and let free to the Commissioners. The fact is that they had to be purchased by the city in connection with the Water-Works operations in the district, and they will in all likelihood be called into requisition to accommodate engineers and others engaged in further operations of the same sort.”—Glasgow Evening Post, April 8, 1891

Rob Roy approaching Trossachs Pier

Leaving Trossachs Pier

The boathouse in the 1890s

Rob Roy at Trossachs 1890s

Stronachlacher Pier 1890s

Coaches loading for Inversnaid at Stronachlachar

Rob Roy at Trossachs in August 1899

There were other small steam launches on Loch Katrine.

Steam launch on Loch Katrine

Towards the end of the decade it was decided to replace the Rob Roy with a new vessel with better passenger accommodation. An order was placed in February, 1899, with Messrs Denny of Dumbarton for a steel saloon steamer to be completed for the start of the 1900 season. The hull was sub-contracted to Messrs Matthew Paul & Co. At 110 feet in length by 19 feet in the beam, she was just 10 feet longer than her predecessor and underwent trials on the Clyde where she recorded a speed close to 10 knots before being dismantled and taken to the west end of the loch to be re-assembled and launched from the slip at Coalbarns with little fanfare on the last day of October. With large windows in her broader saloons, and a yacht-like appearance, Sir Walter Scott, as she was named, was a great advance in accommodating tourists, and when she came into service the following year, proved very popular.

The new attractive steamer generated  lot of interest.

Sir Walter Scott at Trossachs Pier

Sir Walter Scott at Trossachs Pier with Rob Roy in the background

Sir Walter Scott at Trossachs Pier

Coaches awaiting departure for Callander

Sir Walter Scott at Trossachs pontoon

Sir Walter Scott at Stronachlachar

Sir Walter Scott at Stronachlachar

Coaches arriving from Inversnaid at Stronachlachar

Sir Walter Scott waiting at Stronachlachar Pier

Loch Katrine from Stronachlachar Hotel. The island was later surrounded by a wall to defend against the rising loch

The Rob Roy was retained as a reserve for just over a decade and saw occasional service, but was latterly unused. She also received a new buff funnel colouring, but retained her black hull. Later she acquired a black top to her funnel.

Rob Roy and Sir Walter Scott at Trossachs

Rob Roy laid up in 1903

Rob Roy laid up

Rob Roy in service with black topped funnel before 1904 (GWW)

“The silver strand of Loch Katrine has, owing to the raising of the level of the water, entirely disappeared. On the steamer Sir Waller Scott, Friday, during the run from the Trossachs pier to Stronachlachar, the disappearance was taken with comparative equanimity by the members of the Glasgow Corporation engaged in the water trip, but it was the source of much displeasure to the American visitors, who appeared to think they had been taken advantage of by the people of Glasgow. They felt done out of the pebbly beach. For their comfort, it may, however, be stated that through time it will be re-formed by the action of the contending currents, which meet at that point of the loch.”—June 28, 1901

The old and new hotels at Stronachlachar

In 1902, Sir Walter Scott received a steering platform, raised above the level of the deck to improve visibility ahead for the steersman when the vessel was crowded. The tour remained a popular one in the season into the years of the first world war.

Sir Walter Scott at Trossachs with her awnings fitted for inclement weather

Sir Walter Scott approaching Trossachs

Sir Walter Scott approaching Trossachs Pier around 1910

After the first world war. A proper bridge was fitted to the steamer, and she received a new boiler in 1926.

Sir Walter Scott with her bridge fitted in 1919

The greatly expanded Trossachs Hotel in 1924

Charabancs and motor cars compete with the hors-drawn coaches at Trossachs in 1924

Sir Walter Scott canting at Trossachs pier

On board Sir Walter Scott

Sir Walter Scott leaving Trossachs around 1930

Sir Walter Scott at Stronachlachar around 1930

Coaches at Stronachlachar around 1930

Sir Walter Scott at Stronachlachar in 1932

Sir Walter Scott and coaches at Stronachlachar

Coaches on the long climb from Stronachlachar

Passing Loch Arklet on the way to Inversnaid

The Trossachs tour maintained its popularity through the 1930s but the outbreak of war brought its suspension. The Sir Walter Scott was used as a patrol vessel during the invasion scare in the summer of 1940s. Most of the larger lochs had patrol vessels as it was thought that enemy sea-planes might be used to fly in troops or fifth-columnists and spies. In the later years of the war, the steamer was laid up.

Sir Walter Scott at Trossachs (Ralston)

Sir Walter Scott at Trossachs in 1949 (Valentine)

When the service started after the war, the Sir Walter Scott received a wheelhouse on her bridge. The Glasgow Corporation Water Department took over the steamer from the hotel owners in September, 1952, consolidating the control over the city’s water supply. In 1956, a new boiler was installed and the large windows in the saloons were replaced by portholes as a safety measure. This significantly limited the ability of tourists to enjoy the scenery when the weather was poor, although the deck awnings were a good alternative.

Sir Walter Scott with her wheelhouse in 1949 at Stronachlachar. The coaches were replaced by a bus service after the war

Sir Walter Scott at Trossachs in 1952 (Valentine)

Sir Walter Scott at Stronachlachar in 1959, fitted with portholes

In 1967, a bill to consolidate the water authorities in Scotland passed Parliament and the Sir Walter Scott was taken over by the Lower Clyde Water Board in 1969. In 1971, her funnel was painted white, rather than the buff of her previous yacht-like livery. Various changes of ownership and livery and taken place over the intervening years. In 2007 she was reboilered and switched from coal to bio-diesel. In 2020 her boilers were condemned but recent news on repairs are positive for her return to service.

Malcolm Ferguson, “Fishing Incidents and Adventures,” John Leng & Co., Dundee, 1893

John R. Russell, “The Vanished Steamer of Loch Lomond,” John R. Russell, Edinburgh, 1921

Alistair Deaton, “Scottish Loch & Canal Steamers,” Tempus, Stroud, 2004

Brian Patton, “On Landlocked Seas, Part 3: Ships of Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine, and nearby Lochs,” Brian Paton, Berwick on Tweed, 2018

Alistair Deayton, “Scottish Loch & Canal Steamers,” Tempus, Stroud, 2004