Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises has marked the start of its 50th-anniversary celebrations with a specially commissioned photograph featuring the number ’50’ formed by the Jacobite fleet on the loch.
The image, captured by the internationally renowned aerial photographer Richard Elliott with the assistance of the company’s skippers expertly manoeuvring the boats to spell out ‘50’ on the loch, is a fitting symbol for the tour operator, which has welcomed over four million guests from all corners of the globe over the last 50 years.
This marks the official start of a year-long celebration of the business, with various events planned throughout 2025. A highlight of the activities will be the ‘Charity of the Month’ initiative, where Jacobite staff will select a different good cause each month. Each chosen charity will receive a donation from the company and gain opportunities to raise their profile and boost fundraising efforts on-site and through Jacobite’s social media channels.
The chosen charity for January 2025 is MERT Highland, nominated by café assistant Anita MacDonald.
Anita said, “I was introduced to MERT Highland when I collapsed due to my diabetes and low blood sugar 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.”
As well as a new charity of the month being announced throughout 2025, various events and activities will happen throughout the year. Among the celebrations will be a flagship three-boat charter in June with special guests who have contributed to Jacobite’s longstanding success.
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!”
Jacobite Cruises was founded in 1975 by local entrepreneur and quarry master Dan MacWilliam, who had recently acquired a private motor cruiser named ‘Jacobite’ and wanted to share how Loch Ness looked from the water. Dan had big plans for the fledging business and added several boats to the Jacobite fleet. He sold the company to Rod Michie and George MacLean in 1983 before the current owner, Freda Newton, acquired it in 2002. Since Freda’s acquisition, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises has gone from strength to strength, including adding a restaurant and retail space, An Talla, at Dochgarroch.
Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises will announce a new charity of the month each month throughout 2025 and details of 50th-anniversary initiatives and events.
Click here to find out more about Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises.