Jacobiteblog

Tropical Scotland and the Olympic Torch

Posted on May 29, 2012 by jacobiteblog

What a scorcher, the temperature was up in the 30’s as Scotland baked in the best weather we’ve had for years. Lasting nearly a week, it put everyone in a good mood and sales of soft drinks, ice creams and barbeques went through the roof. At Loch Ness we shared in this beautiful windfall of tropical temperatures and the Loch looked magnificent, with amazing sunrises and marvellous sunsets. There must have been some great pictures taken and we would be delighted if you would post them on our facebook page.

It has got a bit cooler today and we are all hoping that this was not the last of our summer, as we have stakes of happiness to look forward to and the good, sunny weather would just top it all. This weekend as we all know is the Jubilee weekend and is a public holiday. So if you have nothing planned why not come along and see us and have a trip along Loch Ness on our own Queen – the Jacobite Queen!

The Following weekend we have Rockness at Dores and also the Olympic Torch Relay. Rockness details can be found on there website, I have written about this in a previous blog. The Olympic Torch can be seen here on the 9th June 2012 at Urquhart Castle and Lewiston at Drumnadrochit before it makes its journey to Inverness.

Many Years ago we carried the torch for the Commonwealth Games in a special cradle under the Jacobite Queen. This was to give Nessie a piece of the action. This year Nessie will have to watch from the sidelines.

We wish success to all the events in and around Lochness over the next couple of weeks.

Willie Cameron

Writer in Residence

A Look at Loch Ness: The Caledonian Canal

Posted on May 17, 2012 by jacobiteblog

Did you know that a number of our tours sail along the Caledonian Canal?

Jacobite sailing the Caledonian Canal

Running from Inverness in the East, to Fort William in the West, the canal is 60 miles long, only one third of which is man-made. These man-made stretches connect the natural lochs of Dochfour, Ness, Oich and Lochy.

The Caledonian Canal was designed by the greatest engineer of the day, Thomas Telford. Completed in 1822, it was a through route from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean which enabled sailing ships of the time to avoid the treacherous waters of Northern Scotland, and in particular, Pentland Firth.

To combat the light and sandy ground of this area, broom and whin seeds were sown into the banks of the newly built canal, to bind the soil together. As you can see they are still flourishing today, and in Spring their yellow flowers are a sight to behold.

When you sail with us and travel along the Caledonian Canal, you will see Torvean Hill. In 1809 during the construction of the canal, it was here that a silver Pictish chain was discovered. Weighing just under 3kg, and dating from the 7th century, the chain would have been worn as a symbol of high status. It’s made up of 16 pairs of silver rings, plus a single ring at one end. It can be viewed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Whilst cruising along the canal you may well also spot Mallard, Goldeneye and Tufted ducks in the waters around us, as well as on the bank, where you might also catch a glance of the large grey Heron. Looking upwards, soaring high above the ship, you will often see Buzzards, Red Kites and Ospreys.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard -check out our tours at www.jacobite.co.uk

Posted in A Look at Loch Ness, Boats, Jacobite, Loch Ness, Scotland | Tagged Caledonian Canal, Jacobite, Jacobite Cruises, scotland, Scottish highlands, Thomas Telford, Torvean Hill | Leave a comment

Piccolo Mondo – It’s a Small World at Loch Ness

Posted on May 17, 2012 by jacobiteblog

Photo of Jacobite boats kindly provided by our FB friend Chris Kirby

They say that the world is a global village or as the Italians call it “Piccolo Mondo” – “small world”. Certainly here at Loch Ness that is very much the case with over 1 million visitors visiting this loch in the Highlands of Scotland every year.

I believe now after having lived here for over 60 years that families from every country in the world have come here at some point. Today I am a guide to a party of people from Kazakhstan who are guests of the company Diageo. We are cruising this afternoon on the Jacobite Legend to Urquhart Castle. Kazakhstan is a transcontinental country in central Asia so they are a long way from home. I hope they enjoy their Loch Ness Experience! We also have a group from Vietnam who are guests of Glenmorangie Whisky.

Many years ago I was in Thailand on an island called Kohlipe in the South Andaman Sea. On this small island (no roads, no cars) there was a mountain and at the top a Buddhist temple. When my daughter explained to the monks that I came from a country in the Northern Hemsiphere at a place called Loch Ness, a very old monk who did not speak English lifted his head and said “ Ah, Monster!”

So it just goes to show that our famous story has travelled the world even to that small island in South East Asia. You too can be part of the global village here at Loch Ness and spend a holiday with a cosmopolitan array of people from all over the world.

Enjoy our wonderful scenery and hospitality with the incredible mix of cultures which are attracted to spend time at our famous Loch Ness. Welcome to Piccolo Mondo!

PS – Many thanks to one of our Jacobite Facebook friends and fans, Chris Kirby, for her wonderful photo recently captured at Loch Ness!

Willie Cameron

Writer in residence

Posted in Jacobite, Loch Ness, Our Passengers, Scotland | Tagged cruises on loch ness, guides, Inverness, Jacobite Cruises, Loch Ness, scotland, Scottish highlands, travel, whisky | Leave a comment

A Look at Loch Ness: The Geology of Loch Ness

Posted on May 7, 2012 by jacobiteblog

Loch Ness

Loch Ness forms a substantial part of the Great Glen – a major topographical feature that divides the Highlands in an almost straight line from coast to coast. It’s a geologically complex area but the major landscape characteristics that we see from this boat today were fashioned principally by water erosion during the last 60 to 100 million years and also by recent glacial activity.

Loch Ness and the Great Glen owe their existence to a shattering fissure in the earth’s crust that occurred many millions of years ago; perhaps as far back as 380 million years ago.

Over the years there has been a lot of disagreement amongst geologists as to how this displacement actually took place. However over the years research undertaken by oil companies and universities has shown that the Great Glen Fault Line was the result of lateral movement or strike slip. The evidence that supports this theory includes the straightness of the fault, the shattered rocks on both sides and the similarity between the granite at Foyers on Loch Ness-side and Strontian near Fort William.

At the time of the original fracture Loch Ness would have been filled with broken stones, rather than water. However during numerous Ice Age periods, glaciers pushed these broken stones towards Inverness and the Loch was filled with water. Loch Ness is in fact a very large example of what is known as a ‘glacier trough’.

It is also believed, with good reason, that Loch Ness was once a salt water loch. However alluvial deposits of sand and gravel left by glaciers eventually blocked up the Inverness end of the loch and now Loch Ness is a fresh water loch.

Find out more about the surroundings of this fascinating area when you travel and tour with Jacobite Cruises.

Posted in A Look at Loch Ness, Loch Ness, Scotland, Wildlife/Nature | Tagged great glen, Jacobite Cruises, Loch Ness, loch ness geology, Loch Ness nature, scotland, Scottish highlands | Leave a comment

Loch Ness Marathon 2012

Posted on May 3, 2012 by jacobiteblog

Jacobite Jess in training for Loch Ness Marathon

We recently watched the London marathon on our TV screens as thousands of runners from all over the world pounded the streets of London testing their stamina and raising millions for charity- a brilliant effort.

We have our very own marathon here on the shores of Loch Ness, which takes place on the 30th September 2012. The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon was voted the 4th best in the UK – it is a “monster” event, capturing some of the most wonderful scenery in the country.

Running alongside the shores of the world’s most famous loch after starting high in the hills above, the views are breathtaking and described often as awesome by our friends from across the pond. This is a must for your diary. Why don’t you bring your friends and family and make a weekend of it?

So, get planning that trip, go on-line, complete your entry and press SEND. For younger runners or for those who don’t feel the urge to run “The Monster” marathon, there is also a 10k and a 5k run in the lovely city of Inverness.

Our home base here at Jacobite is right beside Queens Park which is the finishing point for the marathon, so there is no excuse for not paying us a visit.

A relaxing cruise on Loch Ness is just what the doctor ordered after that ‘monster’ run on the Sunday.

Get on line now and “Keep on Running!”

Willie Cameron
Writer in Residence

Posted in Charity, Jacobite, Loch Ness, Scotland | Tagged Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, Loch Ness, loch ness cruises, scotland, Scottish highlands | Leave a comment

May Day in the Scottish Highlands with Jacobite

Posted on May 2, 2012 by jacobiteblog

All aboard for a Jacobite cruise on Loch Ness

If you haven’t planned your May holiday, now is the time for a last minute scan of the web to see what is available here in the Highlands at Loch Ness. May Day has been a traditional day of festivities throughout the centuries both in Anglo Saxon and Celtic homelands. The festival in Scotland is also called Beltane and usually celebrated with a fire extravaganza on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, a great place to kick off your Scottish tour.

In Edinburgh on May Day it is traditional for the young women of the area to wash their faces in the early morning dew on Arthurs Seat. (a famous hill and landmark in the centre of the city). Here at Loch Ness there were many Pictish settlements whose people celebrated pagan festivals, these have all contributed to our rich heritage and culture.

On your trip to this area you can see much of the evidence of these ancient people – the Clava Stone Circle outside Inverness, the Chambered Cairn at Corrimony near Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle – built on the site of an ancient Pictish Fort. Inverness Museum has many Pictish carvings found in the area.

On your trip with Jacobite Cruises can visit Urquhart Castle. You can take the City Sightseeing tour to catch the boat at Tomnahurich bridge for your cruise down Loch Ness. You can also visit the museum before catching the tour as the bus picks up at the Tourist Office which is right next to the museum. All our driver/guides are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, so please don’t hesitate to ask them questions.

On your way out of town they will point out Craig Phadraig, the site of an ancient Pictish Fort; the home of King Brude, Chief of the Pictish Tribes. The Picts worshipped the sun, moon, the stars, wood and fire here at Loch Ness, they also paid homage to The Water Kelpie which through myth and legend has made this stretch of water world famous.

You too can immerse yourselves in this ancient Celtic culture and walk in the footsteps of these Pictish peoples by taking your May holiday here at Loch Ness. We look forward to seeing you!

Willie Cameron
Writer in Residence

Posted in Jacobite, Loch Ness, Scotland | Tagged cruises on loch ness, highlands, Holiday, Inverness, Jacobite, Jacobite Cruises, May Bank Holiday, Scottish highlands | Leave a comment

Jacobite Cruises at Visit Scotland Expo 2012

Posted on April 27, 2012 by jacobiteblog

Jacobite Cruises had a great two days in Edinburgh at this year’s travel trade fair, Visit Scotland Expo. The Expo is Scotland’s key travel trade fair where a huge number of international buyers visit each year to find the best of Scotland’s new travel products and services.

Jacobite at VS Expo 2012

For Jacobite it’s a great way to catch up with many in the travel trade, in Scotland, the UK and abroad, to thank agents and operators for doing business with us and also to make new partnerships. This year was very busy and it was hard work but fun too.

Captain Ness wowing them at Visit Scotland Expo 2012

This year, Captain Ness joined us and he made a lot of people smile, particularly when he blew kisses and ruffled people’s hair as they went past – some people thought he was a real statue so you should have seen the look on their faces!

Jacobite Stand, Visit Scotland Expo 2012

Jacobite Cruises stand at Visit Scotland Expo 2012

Jess was also with us, but she spent most of her time on the stand next to our delicious tablet and whisky, which went down a treat. That’s it over for this year folks – until 2013!

Posted in Jacobite Jess, Loch Ness, News, Scotland, Staff, Uncategorized | Tagged highlands, Jacobite, Jacobite Cruises, Loch Ness, scotland, travel trade, Visit Scotland Expo 2012 | Leave a comment

A Look at Loch Ness: Urquhart Castle Part II

Posted on April 23, 2012 by jacobiteblog

We return to our focus on Urquhart Castle and its fascinating history.

View to Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle

Following the death of Alan Durward, the Lordship of Urquhart, in 1275, the castle passed to John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. This marked the beginning of a turbulent time in the castle’s history as ownership frequently passed back and forth between the English and Scottish Crown.

Jacobite boats approaching Urquhart Castle

However by the late 14th Century, a new conflict had arisen. The Scottish Crown was now trying to defend itself against incursions from the Macdonalds, Lords of the Isles. For 150 years, the ownership of the castle changed hands between the two sides, before order was somewhat restored by George Gordon, the 2nd Earl of Huntly.

In 1689 Urquhart Castle saw its last action, when a small garrison supporting the Protestant monarchy of William & Mary held off a much larger Jacobite force. Later that year the English Garrison left the castle, destroying it as they went, to prevent it from being used as a Jacobite base.

Step back into history when you visit Urquhart Castle with Jacobite.

Why not check out some more photos on our Flickr page ?

Posted in A Look at Loch Ness, Loch Ness, Scotland, Uncategorized | Tagged Jacobite, Jacobite Cruises, Loch Ness, scotland, ScotlandHour, Urquhart Castle | Leave a comment

A Look at Loch Ness: Urquhart Castle Part I

Posted on April 18, 2012 by jacobiteblog

One of the most iconic sites of Loch Ness, one of the most visited castles in Scotland and seen on many a postcard, the picturesque Urquhart Castle sits upon Strone Point.

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

Some people believe that the castle was originally the site of a Pictish fort, visited by St Columba in 565AD. No one can say for certain that that was the case, however there was almost certainly a Pictish settlement in the area at the time, as it would have been a key site from which to control the Great Glen and Northern Scotland.

View of Urquhart Castle from aboard Written records show that a castle has stood on this site from at least the 13th Century, as a result of an uprising by the people of Moray against King Alexander II. With the rebellion quashed, the King named his son-in-law, Alan Durward, the Lordship of Urquhart, and established a stronghold in the area.

Return to our blog next week to learn more about this great castle, and remember, you can travel back in time for yourself and step into history on Loch Ness, when you visit Urquhart Castle with Jacobite.

Posted in A Look at Loch Ness, Loch Ness, Scotland | Tagged Jacobite, Jacobite Cruises, Loch Ness, Loch Ness facts, Loch Ness history, Urquhart Castle | Leave a comment

A Look at Loch Ness: Trees

Posted on April 11, 2012 by jacobiteblog

Trees in and around Loch Ness

If you take a look around the shores of the Loch Ness, and to a greater extent Urquhart Bay, you will see a number of Alder Trees. These deep-rooted trees help to maintain the soil in the river banks and reduce the effects of erosion. The root systems are exposed under the water, and provide a safe refuge for fish from predators, during times of high water. Alder wood doesn’t rot in water, but actually becomes hardened when soaked, so much so in fact, that it’s been used to make the stilts upon which Loch-side homes are built.

Another native species of trees in this area are birch – Silver and Downy. Both species are fast growing pioneer trees, with the Silver Birch occurring principally on well-drained, drier soils and Downy Birch preferring the wetter locations.

Looking beyond the shore of the Loch, especially on the south slopes, you will see large areas of forestry. Douglas Fir, imported from North America is widespread and can grow to over 200 feet, here in the Highlands. Further up the slopes you will find Norway Spruce, the Christmas Tree, and Sitka Spruce.

On the highest and most exposed ground, where it’s hard to imagine anything being able to survive, you will find Scots Pine, Britain’s only indigenous or native tree that once grew extensively throughout our ancient and long gone Caledonian Pine Forest.

The Scots Pine is a rugged tree that’s able to thrive in poor soils. In the past it was used for ships rigging and the production of Turpentine, resin, tar and charcoal. It is now harvested for paper pulp and the production of strand board.

Don’t forget to look for trees and plants species when you sail with Jacobite on Loch Ness.

Posted in A Look at Loch Ness, Loch Ness, Scotland, Wildlife/Nature | Tagged birch, cruises on loch ness, Jacobite, Loch Ness, Loch Ness facts, Loch Ness nature, trees, wildlife | Leave a comment