Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises has marked its 50th anniversary with a birthday cruise on the famous loch. Specially invited guests, including local businesspeople, current suppliers, stakeholders, and those who have been instrumental to Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises’ success attended a reception at An Talla followed by the evening cruise on 12 June.
Among the attendees was Rod Michie who ran the business with George MacLean from 1983 to 2002, before Freda Newton took the helm. Also on board to entertaining guests for the evening was popular accordionist and singer Calum MacPhail.
Freda Newton, owner and executive chair of Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises said, “In this milestone year, it was only right to celebrate in the best way we know how – on our beloved Loch Ness. I’m so proud of everything our business has achieved over the years. For 50 years now, we have been welcoming locals and people from all over the world, enabling them to explore the loch and showing them how special this area is. Of course, there has been 50 years of hard work – not to mention navigating a global pandemic – and we have an incredible team to thank for their dedication and commitment. Thanks to them, we now welcome over 300,000 people on our boats each year.”
The cruise follows a series of 50th anniversary initiatives. In January, a year-long charity campaign was launched with a different charity being nominated by staff to receive a donation each month. Benefitting charities so far have been MERT Highland, Munlochy Animal Aid, Alzheimer Scotland, Highland Hospice, Sunflower Home Care, and this month’s charity is Lucky2BHere.
In the spring, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises launched its first app to enhance visitor experience. As travellers explore the loch, the app unlocks content through GPS hotspots, revealing the area’s history, wildlife and local legends.
Throughout the year, passengers on the cruises will be able to pick up a postcard featuring a specially commissioned image of Jacobite boats spelling out ‘50’ on Loch Ness, on which they can write a memory from their time cruising the loch. Past visitors can also send their memories via email. The best memories will be shared by Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises on its website and social media channels.
To book a cruise or find out more visit jacobite.co.uk.
