Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises has been recognised as a five star visitor attraction following a detailed assessment by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.

The Loch Ness cruise operator secured the top rating through ASVA’s Quality Scheme, a national framework introduced in 2025 to recognise excellence across Scotland’s tourism sector.

Fewer than 20 per cent of attractions assessed across Scotland achieve the five star grading.

The award arrives during a milestone period for Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 after welcoming more than 320,000 visitors to Loch Ness during the year.

Since launching in 1975, the company has become one of the Highlands’ best known visitor experiences with daily cruises operating on the world famous loch alongside retail and food facilities at An Talla.

Business Development Manager Alan Rawlinson said:

“We are over the moon to be recognised as a five star visitor attraction by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.

“Seeing people from all over the world visiting Loch Ness and marvelling at its beauty is always special to us and it is thanks to our dedicated team that the experience is so magical for them.”

The assessment process involved a detailed inspection carried out by incognito assessors examining every aspect of the visitor experience from websites and booking systems through to staff interaction, accessibility, food quality, retail presentation and overall atmosphere.

ASVA Chief Executive Michael Golding said:

“Less than 20% of the attractions we visit, from Gretna Green to Shetland and everywhere in between, achieve a five star grading.

“This shows the absolute commitment to providing excellent experiences in every single aspect, from pre arrival to on site and after the visit as well.

“To reach this level after more than 50 years of operating is a real credit to the team.

“We are delighted to play our role in recognising their outstanding offering, as well as supporting their ongoing improvement to be the very best.”

As one of the Highlands’ major tourism employers, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises also plays a significant role within the regional economy with a workforce of around 70 staff, most employed in permanent year round roles.

Rawlinson added:

“We’d like to thank ASVA for this fantastic recognition, our team for always providing a special experience, and to everyone who has joined us at An Talla or on one of our cruises over the past 50 years.

“We look forward to continuing to welcome people to our five star attraction in 2026 and beyond.”

For Loch Ness and the wider Highlands, the recognition reflects the growing importance of high quality visitor experiences as Scotland’s tourism industry continues competing on the international stage.