Loch Earn had to wait until 1922 before her waters were graced by a vessel in public service. The Queen of Loch Earn was a 56 foot motor vessel built in Fraserburgh for Mr. Peter Crerar. Mr Crerar was an enterprising char-a-banc owner from Crieff who had popularized “Crerar’s Tours” that provided trips to the picturesque beauties of Perthshire and surrounding area. He also opened a cinema in Crieff and in Auchterader and eventually had interests in cinemas and theatres in Glasgow, Kircaldy and Dunfermline. The country areas were not left out and he ran a “travelling cinema” for villages in Perthshire.

“Motor pleasure boat on Loch Earn. Launched this week. Early on Thursday morning, the motor boat, Queen of Loch Earn, intended to ply as a pleasure craft between St Fillans and Lochearnhead, was successfully launched at the former place. thus in a manner placing the lovely Loch Earn on a plane. as regards tourist sailing. with her more pretentious rivals in Scottish lochland. The credit for this departure belongs to Mr Peter Crerar, who may be said to be the pioneer of motor tours in Crieff district, and who, realising the advantages of sailings on Loch Earn as a natural adjunct to his char-a-banc tours, determined on the venture which successfully culminated on Thursday.

“The work of building entrusted to Messrs J. & G. Forbes. of Fraserburgh, and, so far as can be seen, they have executed a capital pieces of workmanship. The vessel, which is about 12 tons in weight, and is splendidly appointed with spacious and comfortably furnished saloon, is some 56 feet long by 12 feet broad, and has a draught of 3½ feet. The motive power is supplied by two 25 h.p. internal combustion engines, working on paraffin as fuel.

“Apart altogether from the capital outlay on the boat, and the problematical character of the venture as a commercial proposition, Mr Crerar had to face the extremely difficult question of transport from the nearest possible harbour—Perth, and these might have deterred a leas enterprising and go-ahead man. Now that these initial difficulties have been successfully negotiated, it may not be amiss to detail the barriers which lay between the Tay and the source of its largest tributary.

“The trip through Perth streets. Under its own power the craft proceeded from Fraserburgh to Perth Harbour, accomplishing the trip in about 8 hours. Perth Harbour was reached early on Monday morning, and the work of transferring the boat to it trolley, which was to transport it over the 30 miles of road journey, proved a somewhat difficult job. The trolley was run into the water underneath the vessel, which fell into its position as the tide receded. A powerful tractor then hauled the trolley and its freight up the slip. The operations occupied a considerable part of the day, and about 11.30 on Tuesday night the unwieldy conveyance started on its journey to St Fillans. Late as the hour was, large crowds of interested citizens watched it progress along Princes Street. Victoria Street, King Street. South and North Methven Streets, Barrack Street, and Dunkeld Road. and to many the sight was no doubt a literal demonstration of the phrase, “Ships that pass in the night.”

Queen of Loch Earn on her trolley at Crieff

“From Crieff to Loch Earn. The journey from Perth to Crieff was, as mentioned, begun on Tuesday night. the haulage being supplied by a powerful steam tractor belonging to Messrs M‘Ainsh, timber merchants, Crieff. Passing through Perth the front axle of the trolley was damaged, which interfered with normal speed being maintained, and it was not until 7 o’clock on Wednesday morning that Crieff was reached, the boat on its carrier being detained at Charing Cross, East High Street, until the evening, and where it was viewed with much interest by many spectators during the day.

“About 8 o’clock in the evening the final stage of the journey was commenced, and by midnight the boat was alongside Loch Earn, about 140 yards west from the hotel, ready for launching preparations. Both in Crieff and Comrie extraordinary interest was shown in Mr Crerar’s latest venture, large crowds witnessing the arrival and departure of the Queen of Loch Earn. The transport from Perth was carried through practically without a hitch, many awkward corners being negotiated without trouble or mishap.

“The Launch. The actual launching was carried out in a highly workmanlike manner, and when one considers the difficulties—the narrow road, absence of a slipway, and the necessary accessories for such a job, it reflects great credit on the builders and on Mr Crerar and his employees that the Queen was afloat without accident in less than four hours from arrival at St Fillans. To get the unwieldy burden stern-on to the loch was the first item in the programme, and that accomplished after lengthy manoeuvring, the carriage and its load was levered by man-power as far as possible down the slope. Power was then taken into operation, and a persuasive push from John Ross’s obedient engine sent carriage and boat into the loch, the boat riding gracefully on her proper element.

“The Queen launched, a trial run was made for about five miles up the loch, in which she behaved admirably, her engines working smoothly and making a capital turn of speed. In the water the graceful lines of the boat were much admired.

“With the completion of a few final adjustments by the builders, and a formal inspection by Board of Trade officials, the Queen of Loch Earn will be ready for service, and she is expected to be in active work next week.

“As formerly mentioned in the Herald, piers have been errected at the top end of the loch, and a few hundred yards east from Lochearnhead village, on land belonging to the Marquis of Breadalbane, and at the lower end, on the south side, 200 yards from St Fillans, on the property of the Earl of Ancaster.

“It is not, of course, given to man to command success, but Mr Crerar’s enterprise in thus opening up a new and beautiful vista for tourists on lovely Loch Earn makes him deserving of public patronage; and one hopes and feels sure that the sail on the loch, providing as it does, a wider outlook on its undoubted beauties, will prove as popular with those visitors who wish to see picturesque Perthshire as his wide motor char-a-banc programme has been”—Strathearn Herald, June 24, 1922

The opening excursion was in July.

Queen of Loch Earn at St Fillans, 1923 (Valentine)

Queen of Loch Earn at St Fillans in 1924 (Judges)

“Pleasure motor boat on Loch Earn—Opening trip for Crieff Town Council.—What will undoubtedly prove a great addition to the many popular attractions of far-famed Strathearn was inaugurated on the afternoon of Monday last, when the new motor boat on Loch Earn made its opening trip.

“To Mr Peter Crerar, Crieff—who has for several seasons carried on an extensive char-a-banc traffic to various popular districts of Perthshire and neighbouring couties—is due the credit of this public-spirited enterprise. The boat, which has been appropriately named The Queen of Loch Earn, was, as formerly mentioned, built at Fraserburgh, and was sailed to Perth, from whence it was transported on trolley—over 30 miles—to St Fillans The craft, which is about 12 tons in weight is admirably appointed in all respects, with a comfortably furnished saloon, and other accessories. She is some 56 feet in length, by 12 broad, and has a draught of 34 feet; while the motive power is supplied by two 25 h.p. internal combustion engines, working with paraffin as fuel. The boat accommodates about 100 passenger.

“As already stated, the opening trip took place on Monday, and, on the invitation of Mr Crerar, was assigned to the members of Crieff Town Council and burgh officials, along with a party of ladies and gentlemen from Comrie and St Fillans, the company including—Provost Mungall, Bailies Tainsh and M‘Owan. and other members of the Council; Sir James Scott, Tayport; Mr George T. Ewing, factor to the Earl of Ancester. Mrs Ewing. and Mr Hedley Ewing; Mr and Mrs M. D. Stewart, Crieff; Mr P. Macpherson, J.P., and Mr H. M‘Kinstry, Comrie; Mrs Scott, Post Office. St Fillans, &c. The company from Crieff were conveyed in one of Mr Crerar’s splendid char-a-bancs, the scenic beauty on route forming a very pleasant feature of the journey.

“Embarking at the pier, on the south side of the loch, a ahort distance, beyond St Fillans, the sail, as the Queen glided alongside the southern shore westwards to Lochearnhead—a distance of seven miles—was greatly enjoyed, notwithstanding the stiff breeze which prevailed for a short time, the craft forging along with smoothness and an absence of vibration. No halt was made at Lochearnhead, but numerous spectators along the shore waved their congratulations on this important new departure in the navigation of the loch. By this time the breeze had given place to brilliant sunshine, and the glorious vista of majestic mountain grandeur—overtopped by the giant Ben Vorlich—and sylvan beauty with which the lake is begirt on either side, presented a scene of resplendent magnificence.

“In course of the sail the company were entertained to refreshments by Mr Crerar, and Mr G. T. Ewing, in proposing success to Mr Crerar’s new venture, said he was sure they were all delighted with the advent of a pleasure boat on Loch Earn, and he hoped it would prove a greet success.

“On the return of the Queen to St Fillans, the company adjourned to the Drummond Arms Hotel, where, through the kindness of Provost Mungall, they were entertained to high tea which was admirably served by the hotel staff. After enjoying the repast.

“The Provost, in course of a few remarks, said they were greatly indebted to Mr Peter Crerar for their most enjoyable afternoon’s outing that day. Mr Crerar might be looked upon as a real benefactor to Crieff, for it was due to his go-a-headness and enterprise that with his excellent fleet of char-a-bancs he catered for the enjoyment of many visitors to Crieff. By these conveyances he had made accessible to visitors to the district some of the most beautiful parts of Perthshire. (Applause.) Here in Strathearn they had scenery that was unequalled in any part of the world—(applause) —and he (the Provost) had seen a good deal of the scenery in various parts of the world — in Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Italy, &c. In Switzerland, for example, the scenery was grander, but it was lacking in the beautiful colourings of our Scottish hills. He thought it was a great misfortune that Sir Walter Scott in his “Lady of the Lake” and his references to the Trossachs, and the stag “in lone Glenartney’s hazel shade,” did not come over the hill to the Glen, and down to Loch Earn and Comrie, when be might have viewed the beauties of Loch Earn and district; for of all the beautiful lochs in Scotland, Loch Earn stood at the head. (Applause.) He thought the scenery in that district was unparalleled in any part of the world. (Applause.) The beauties of Loch Earn were now opened up in a way they had never been before, and were now seen to full advantage, while sailing along in the Queen of Loch Earn. (Applause.) On behalf of the Town Council, he begged to tender to Mr Crerar their grateful thanks for inviting them to a sail over the beautiful loch that afternoon, and they expressed the earnest hope, that this new venture might prove a great success, as it so well deserved. (Applause.) Any one who launched a new venture, as he had done on that loch, deserved success and the gratitude of thousands of people who might patronize it. (Loud applause.)

“Mr Crerar, in a few words, thanked the Provost for his complimentary remarks, and also for his generous kindness and hospitality. (Applause.)

“Bailie Tainsh said he heartily concurred with all that the Provost had said, and he now wished to propose a very hearty vote of thanks to him for his splendid entertainment to them. While Mr Crerar had furnished enjoyment outside, the Provost had now supplied the wants of the inside in a most sumptuous manner, which was just in accordance with his usual kindness and generous hospitality since ever he (Bailie Tainsh) had known him. (Appalause.)

“The Provost said it was a great pleasure to him to have them there in a social capacity.

“The return journey was thereafter made to Crieff which was reached about 7 p.m., after a most enjoyable afternoon.”—Strathearn Herald, July 8, 1922

Strathearn Herald, July 15, 1922

Queen of Loch Earn near Lochearnhead in 1924 (Valentine)

Mr Crerar sold his interests in the transportation business, including the Queen of Loch Earn, to the Scottish General Omnibus Company in 1928 and in turn this became part of the Messrs W. Alexander & Sons, Ltd., in 1930. For a time the tours continued to be advertised as “Crerar’s Tours.”

Queen of Loch Earn in the 1920s

The Queen was laid up in 1936 and later converted to a houseboat. Crerar himself moved from Crieff and had interests in a number of hotels, and built Paisley Ice Rink. He purchased the Royal Hotel at Innellan where he died at the end of October 1961. He is buried at Incholm, Loch Striven.