Scotland’s largest loch-based cruise ship launched on Loch Ness

THE Jacobite Warrior, Scotland’s largest loch-based cruise ship, was launched today on Loch Ness.

• Largest loch-based cruise ship in Scotland

• Capacity to carry up to 1500 passengers each day

• Ship designed to capitalise on increase numbers of tourists from China, Brazil and Russia

The ship, with a capacity for 1500 passengers, will carry tourists across the Loch to Urquhart Castle. The ship is owned by the Inverness company Jacobite Cruises, who have spent over £1 million on the catamaran-style ship, which was built in Brittany in the north of France.

It joins three other ships in the Jacobite Cruises fleet, but is the largest out of all vessels. The addition of the Jacobite Warrior means that the company will be able to carry up to 2400 tourists every day.

Freda Newton, owner of Jacobite Cruises, commented: ‘In the last few years we’ve seen numbers surge, particularly from groups from China, Brazil and Russia. The legend of Loch Ness is famous all over the world and most visitors to the Highlands are keen to experience the magic.’

Chairman of VisitScotland Mike Cantlay added: ‘The launch of the Jacobite Warrior is fantastic news for the Highlands and will help encourage even more visitors to this wonderful part of Scotland.’

The ship has its own bar area, luxury seating, an observation deck, audio guides telling of the history of the Loch, along with past sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, and information leaflets in ten different languages.