Scottish Water is ready to welcome visitors back to one of the country’s top beauty spots - Loch Katrine - after a challenging time.
The North Shore Road at the loch is fully open and visitors to the local area are welcome, as Scotland comes out of lockdown and looks to enjoy a bumper year of staycationing.
The entire road, from Trossachs Pier in the east to Stronachlachar in the west, owned by Scottish Water, is hugely popular with cyclists, walkers, and residents.
The section of the single-track road between Portnellan and Stronachlachar had been closed after a total of 26 landslides during heavy rainfall in August 2019.
However, recently Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed was joined at a special photocall to kick off summer fun at the loch by local councillor Martin Earl; James Fraser, Sir Walter Scott Steamship; David Hope, owner of local cycle hire company Katrine Wheelz; Trevor Geraghty, Strathard Community Council; and Robert Cameron of Scottish Water.
Ms Tweed said: “Scottish Water, Stirling Council and local stakeholders have done a power of work to ensure this route, a favourite of the cycling community, has reopened safely.
“Stirling is full of fantastic natural sights and attractions, and I’m very pleased tourists can now move freely around Loch Katrine and fully enjoy it. I know local businesses too will be glad the repairs have been completed, and I’d encourage visitors to make the most of their time here in Stirling’s rural communities by cycling, sailing or walking around the area.”
Councillor Martin Earl said: “I remember all the meetings and the sheer amount of work carried out by Scottish Water and the Steamship Trust in the aftermath of the huge landslip that closed the road.
“Everyone involved in getting this beautiful route open again is to be congratulated. Loch Katrine is a lovely place to visit with fantastic attractions like the steamship and cycle hire, including these brilliant new e-bikes, that make travelling around the loch by bike much more accessible for many more people.”
David Hope, owner of Katrine Wheelz cycle hire, is also looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors over the coming months. He said: ‘We are delighted the work has been completed and that the North Shore Road is fully reopened. It’s one of the most iconic cycle routes in Scotland and our customers love this stunning ride amongst breath-taking scenery.
“We have added new electric bikes to our fleet this year, ideal for exploring the Loch Katrine North Shore Road, and look forward to welcoming many visitors from all over the UK to Loch Katrine this summer.”
Following the landslides, thousands of tonnes of debris had to be cleared from the road before Scottish Water’s contractors George Leslie carried out extensive repairs. The logistically challenging and complex engineering project included extra flood mitigation measures implemented and a total of 17 culverts were upsized and re-built along the route.
Significant work on the slopes and watercourses in the Glengyle area has also been completed, as well as general maintenance work on the road. Some additional minor maintenance work will be undertaken along the road in coming months but will not have any impact on access or people’s ability to enjoy the local amenities on offer.
The area also boasts loch cruises with local company Steamship Sir Walter Scott Ltd and two cafes – The Pier Café and The Steamship Café - situated at either end of the loch.
The steamship’s managing director Gordon Allan said: “The reopening of the road following a substantial investment by Scottish Water coincides with the re-introduction of the seasonal sailings between Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar and greatly enhances the visitor experience at Loch Katrine.”
Scottish Water regional corporate affairs manager in the west, Georgina Reid, said the Covid-19 pandemic had added to the roadworks disruption, adding: “We want to thank everyone for the patience and understanding shown during these complex works. We wish the local businesses a very successful summer season and hope to continue working with them to ensure visitors can enjoy this beautiful location.”
