Speed bonnie boat - on Loch Lomond

Published on Tuesday 1 February 2011 17:22

VENICE, Manhattan… Balloch? A water bus service planned for Loch Lomond could rival the Venetian vaporettos or New York's Staten Island Ferry, the Scottish Government believes.

While the chilly waters of Loch Lomond may lack the warbling gondoliers of Venice or the spectacular skyline of New York, they will soon be equipped with a regular water bus following a successful six-week trial last summer.

The experiment, which attracted 5,000 people, has led to upgrading work to upgrade six pontoons and piers in preparation for the return of ferries to the national park.

Environment minister Rose-anna Cunningham, visiting Luss to announce the service, said: "Some of the world's best-known tourist destinations have their own water transport.

"Venice has the vaporetto, New York has the Staten Island Ferry, while there is water transport on Lake Windermere and Lake Coniston. Now Loch Lomond will soon be joining them.

"Travelling across the water will let people see the spectacular scenery from a different perspective and allow them to really relax while doing so, making the experience all the more enjoyable."

The minister added that a ferry would also reduce road traffic. She said: "The water buses cut the number of cars using the road network in the national park and will help reduce carbon emissions.

"They will also make some of the towns and villages around the shore more accessible to visitors and help bring real economic benefits to these areas."

More

• Loch Lomond: winner of a waterway

• Waterbus routes: Venice

• Waterbus routes: Staten island

Last year's service operated between Balloch and Balmaha, on the loch's east bank, with some ferries also serving Cameron House on the west bank. The upgrading work, which continues to April, includes Luss, Tarbet, Balamaha, Balloch, Inveruglas and Inchcailloch.

Fiona Logan, chief executive of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, said: "Historically, the water has always been used to transport visitors, residents and goods across Loch Lomond and it really is a case of the Victorians being pioneers. We want to take these great ideas and inject some 21st-century innovation to create thriving towns and villages connected by water transport, while showcasing the unique assets of the area.

"The pilot last year was a great success. As a result, we are investing heavily in the upgrade of many of our piers and pontoons around Loch Lomond to help facilitate water-based tourism."

However, the Loch Lomond Association, which represents landowners and users of the loch, was sceptical.Chairman Peter Jack said: "Services that run parallel to roads rather than criss-cross the loch would seem to be more relevant if you are trying to get vehicles off the road.

"To run services that dot about between points on the east and west side of the loch is an interesting concept, but I'm not convinced it is that well thought out."

Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland and convener of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, said: "People have been enjoying cruises on Loch Lomond since the 19th century and this exciting new venture builds on that tradition."