Fifty Years
A Year of Celebration
To mark this incredible milestone, we’re planning a year-long celebration throughout 2025. Highlights include our ‘Charity of the Month’ initiative, where Jacobite staff will nominate and support a different good cause each month. Each chosen charity will receive a donation and the opportunity to raise awareness and funds through on-site activities and our social media channels.
Beyond this, we have a variety of exciting events and initiatives planned to honour our 50th anniversary, from special cruises to community-focused activities. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates and announcements.
We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved over the past 50 years, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with our fantastic team, loyal customers, and the communities that make Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises so special. Here’s to the next 50 years!
A Proud History
Our story began with local entrepreneur and quarry master, Dan MacWilliam. In 1975, Dan acquired a private motor cruiser named ‘Jacobite’ and decided to share the breathtaking views of Loch Ness with others. With big ambitions for his fledgling business, Dan grew the Jacobite fleet over the years, paving the way for countless adventures on the water.
In 1983, the company changed hands, passing to Rod Michie and George MacLean, who continued to build on Dan’s vision. Then, in 2002, Freda Newton took the helm. Under Freda’s leadership, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises has flourished, becoming one of Scotland’s most beloved attractions. Highlights include the addition of An Talla, our restaurant and retail space at Dochgarroch, and the ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests.
Charity of the Month
A key part of our 50th anniversary celebrations is our ‘Charity of the Month’ initiative. Each month, Jacobite staff will nominate a different good cause to support, highlighting the incredible work being done in our communities. Each chosen charity will receive a donation from Jacobite and gain opportunities to raise their profile and boost fundraising efforts both on-site and through our social media channels.
The first charity of 2025 is MERT Highland, nominated by our very own café assistant, Anita MacDonald. Anita shared her personal connection to MERT: “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.”
As we move through 2025, we’ll continue to announce a new charity each month, showcasing their incredible work and providing support to those who need it most.
