Trossachs - Tourism and Development

Tourism and Development

The Trossachs Hotel was built on the north bank of Loch Achray in response to the growing number of tourists visiting the region. The building now functions as the An Tigh Mor Trossachs holiday apartments.

In 1859, a dam was built at the eastern end of Loch Katrine and connecting aqueducts were added to as part of a new main water supply to Glasgow. At the expense of the Glasgow water company, Queen Victoria had a holiday house built overlooking the loch. The house, Royal Cottage, later became accommodation for the employees of Scottish Water. A steamer service was introduced, and the SS Sir Walter Scott, launched in 1900, remains in operation. The area is now part of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and remains popular with walkers and cyclists.

The principle villages of Callander and Aberfoyle lie at the heart of the Trossachs, and Balloch, Tyndrum and the conservation village of Luss also lie within the National Park, which was established in 2002. Later developments include the Lomond Shores Complex on Loch Lomond and the opening of the long-distance footpaths the West Highland Way and the Rob Roy Way.

The park contains hundreds of miles of walking and cycling routes, and watersports are practised on many lochs in the park, with some having motor boat and jet skiing facilities and fishing rights. Lake of Menteith, situated near Aberfoyle, is a fishing destination that features the ruins of Inchmahome Priory on one of its islands, Inchmahome, where Mary, Queen of Scots was taken as a child before being taken France for her protection.