Issue 63, Spring 2026
When we purchased the Inversnaid Hotel in 1984 we quickly realised that we would need our own ferry but in those early days funds were tight. Fortunately we were able to acquire the ferry boat that many of our long-standing guests may remember.
In its previous life it had been one of four lifeboats provided for the MV Kungsholm, the last Swedish transatlantic liner launched in 1965. Two of the original four had found their way to a London boat dealer where I first saw them looking rather forlorn on a mud-bank in the River Thames. A deal was struck for one of them and arrangements made for its overland transport to Loch Lomond.
When it arrived, the vessel was in a sorry state but fortunately my younger son Neil, now our Managing Director, had just turned 18 and had some free time between school and university. Between the two of us we brought the vessel back to good order, and after inspection by the marine authorities it received a certificate of sea-worthiness and its name was changed from Kungsholm Lifeboat No 2 to Arklet (named after the river by the hotel).
Arklet made the journey back and forth across Loch Lomond several times a day from 1984 until 2014, with well over 3 million passenger crossings. By then, increasing bureaucracy and regulation made it advisable to sub-contract ferry operations to our specialised partners Cruise Loch Lomond, and Arklet was transferred to their fleet.
Arklet was an important part of the Lochs and Glens story. She served us well for 30 years, from the time we had just acquired our second hotel until we were firmly established as Scotland’s major coach tour hotel group. Like so many others, I remember her with great nostalgic affection.
Michael Wells OBE, Chairman
Inversnaid Hotel
Our featured photo in this edition is of our Inversnaid Hotel, beautifully situated on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. It is, by a considerable margin, our oldest hotel, originally opened in 1820. Before we purchased it in 1984 there had been just four previous owners, each adding extensions to meet increasing demand for accommodation.
The following photograph taken around 1880, is of the hotel, still relatively small, but nevertheless there are already several additions behind the original single building which, in earlier times, had served as the Duke of Montrose’s hunting lodge.
One of the main reasons for the hotel’s popularity is its position, in that it can be accessed from the west by road and from the east by a ferry boat. In the early days the ferry would have been powered by steam then later by diesel.
The Edinburgh Tattoo
One of the highlights of the Lochs and Glens calendar over the past years has surely been the annual series of visits to the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo during August. The event is staged on the Edinburgh Esplanade in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, that mighty fortress with its long and turbulent history.
Performances begin at dusk when the great oak gates of the Castle sweep open and, to the swell of the pipes and drums, the massed bands march out in their hundreds across the drawbridge. This matchless spectacle unfailingly enthrals and symbolises the Scotland everyone holds dear in their heart.
There follows a blend of home and international talent so the show is always fresh, exciting and alive, even for faithful fans who never miss a yearly visit. 2026 Tattoo visits are planned for itineraries at the Inversnaid, Ardgartan, Loch Achray and Loch Tummel Hotel.
Loch Katrine
The famous Scottish novelist, Sir Walter Scott, wrote so eloquently about the beauty of The Trossachs that it attracted curious travellers from far and wide. The tourist potential of sailing amidst these increasingly famous surroundings was realised by two hoteliers whose businesses were at either end of Loch Katrine.
In 1899 they commissioned the construction of a 115-tonne vessel from a Dumbarton shipyard. Named the SS Sir Walter Scott, it was capable of carrying 400 passengers. After completion, the vessel was disassembled, moved by barge and horse-drawn cart, and finally reassembled on Loch Katrine’s shore.
Remarkably this grand old lady, now 127 years of age, still regularly plies the beautiful waters of the loch, albeit modified to meet modern health and safety requirements. At Lochs and Glens, we will continue to support this worthy institution so guests can enjoy this magical journey.
Cruises on Loch Katrine are included in many Inversnaid Hotel itineraries in 2026.
Killin
During the coming year many of the Loch Achray and Inversnaid Hotel itineraries will once again include a visit to Killin, that beautiful and popular destination.
This historic village is almost exactly at the geographic centre of Scotland. It stands at the head of Loch Tay and is overlooked by massive Ben Lawers, which rises to almost 4,000ft.
The area has had an unsettled past. For many years it was the frontline in the war between the Scots and the Picts, and many local families still carry surnames from these distant times.
Close to the village is Finlarig Castle, once the home of the ruthless ‘Black’ Duncan Campbell. Although now in a ruinous state, nearby remains still hint at its dramatic history.
Falkirk Wheel
In the light of today’s financial circumstances, it seems incredible that 25 years ago the equivalent of £100 million of public money could have been found to restore a long-abandoned canal. Yet that investment brought huge public value and enjoyment.
The challenge was restoring navigability right across the country by linking the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals. The seemingly impossible obstacle was reconnecting the two canals at Falkirk after the original locks had long since been filled in and built over.
The outcome was The Falkirk Wheel, a stunning piece of working sculpture that successfully combines function and design. A day excursion including this fascinating attraction will be included in many Inversnaid Hotel itineraries during the coming season.
The highlight is an exhilarating 50-minute boat trip ascending 35 metres in one of the gondolas to enter the Union Canal, continuing through the Rough Castle Tunnel. Back at the Visitor Centre there is plenty to discover about the canal system and the wheel’s ingenious construction.
