Yahoo News Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises celebrate 50 years with iconic photograph
The 50th anniversary of the Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises is being celebrated with an iconic photograph of its fleet creating a 50 on the famous loch.
The image was captured by renowned aerial photographer Richard Elliot with the skilled assistance of the company’s skippers expertly maneuvering the boats to spell out ‘50’ on the loch.
The tour operator has served more than four million guests from all corners of the globe over the last 50 years.
It marks the official start of a year-long celebration of the business, which includes a ‘Charity of the Month’ initiative, where Jacobite staff will select a different good cause each month.
The charity will receive a donation from the company and be promoted through its social media channel.
That will start with MERT Highland being selected for January, and it was nominated by Anita MacDonald who is a café assistant.
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She said: “I was introduced to MERT Highland when I collapsed due to my diabetes and low blood sugars during a night out in Inverness. MERT (Medical & Emergency Response Team) aims to relieve pressure on ambulances and A&E, and after my experience and the help I received from MERT’s volunteers, I knew I had to get involved.
“Along with my colleague Linda, I volunteer for MERT and I am also a Trustee. MERT Highland covers events big and small, including flagship events in the Highlands such as Belladrum and the Loch Ness Marathon, as well as providing welfare support for vulnerable people during adverse weather.
“Being a small team of volunteers, we’re delighted to be chosen as Jacobite’s first charity of the month during this very special year. Thank you to Jacobite and all the customers who are donating – it means so much to us.”
A flagship three boat charter in June with specially invited guests who have contributed to Jacobite’s longstanding success.
Commenting on the year-long celebration, Alison Daun, Managing Director of Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, said: “Our 50th anniversary deserves a very special celebration so I can’t wait for everything we have in store this year. We’ll be honouring Jacobite’s history, our fantastic team - past and present, and the wonderful charities and communities in and around Loch Ness.
“We are going all out! Staff will be wearing specially commissioned 50th anniversary pin badges, our boats are getting a facelift with 50th anniversary livery to reflect the milestone and the photograph we have released today will also be available as a postcard.
“We hope to get as many people as possible with a connection to Jacobite and love of Loch Ness involved, so we would encourage everyone to follow our social media channels for updates.
“I look forward to celebrating Jacobite’s 50th anniversary with our team, customers and everyone who makes the business so special - Nessie included!”
The company was founded in 1975 by Dan MacWilliam who had acquired a private cruiser called ‘Jacobite’ and decided he wanted to share the sights of Loch Ness.
He later sold the business in 1983 before current owner Freda Newton took charge in 2002.
Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises will be announcing a new charity of the month each month throughout 2025, as well as details of 50th anniversary initiatives and events.
