Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises has once again secured Gold from Green Tourism — the highest tier of the world-leading sustainability accreditation — recognising its responsible, ethical and community-focused operation on one of Scotland’s most iconic waterways.
Announced on 2 September 2026 by the Inverness-based operator, the award follows a full assessment against Green Tourism’s 15 sustainability criteria across its three pillars of People, Places and Planet — a holistic check on social, economic and environmental performance. For visitors planning a Highland trip this autumn and beyond, it is a clear signal of where sustainable tourism on Loch Ness is heading.
What Gold Actually Means
Green Tourism is widely regarded as the global benchmark for sustainable tourism accreditation. Its audit looks beyond carbon alone — examining how a business treats its people, supports its place and protects the planet.
- 15 criteria grouped under People, Places and Planet
- Assessment of community contribution, environmental impact reduction, and accessibility and inclusion for staff and visitors
- Gold is the top award — only around one-third of tourism and hospitality businesses that apply achieve Gold, with the remainder split between Silver and Bronze
Gold recognises businesses that operate responsibly and sustainably, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and make themselves welcoming and accessible to all.
Not Easy for a Cruise Operator — And That’s the Point
Running cruises on Loch Ness comes with a higher sustainability bar — fuel use, visitor volumes and pressure on fragile rural roads and facilities around Dochgarroch Lock, Inverness all count against you if not managed well.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded a Gold Green Tourism Award again! Being a cruise business, it can be challenging to meet the high sustainability standards we and Green Tourism strive for, so to be awarded Gold in our assessment is really satisfying and shows we are doing the right things.”
Alison Daun, Managing Director, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises
Daun singled out Ranald Fettes, Visitor Experience and Sustainability Manager, for leading the evidence-gathering and sustainability improvements that secured the re-accreditation.
What Jacobite Is Doing Differently
Beyond the certificate, the work is deliberately visible to guests and staff:
- Rewilding and biodiversity awareness woven into onboard interpretation and team training
- Accessibility and responsible tourism — making cruises inclusive and educating visitors on respectful travel around Loch Ness
- Collaborating locally — working with other tour operators and Highland attractions to spread bookings and reduce congestion on local roads and honeypot sites
- Building sustainability awareness among both crew and passengers, rather than treating it as a back-office exercise
What the Assessor Said
“Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises has attained the Green Tourism Gold Award, recognising its commitment to running its business in a sustainable way. Not only does it have first class sustainable actions and projects in place, but the business is also looking ahead to identify further actions it can undertake to reinforce its already excellent approach.”
Euan Haggart, Environment and Sustainability Assessor, Green Tourism
Haggart added that the team’s local knowledge of Loch Ness’s cultural and natural heritage is “second to none”, complemented by strong customer care and safety standards — a key reason the operator was “incredibly deserving” of Gold and one to watch as its sustainability journey develops.
Why It Matters for UK Travellers
For domestic visitors weighing a Scottish break, the award offers practical reassurance:
- Highlands without the guilt: Choose a Loch Ness cruise already vetted against independent environmental and social criteria
- Support for the local economy: Gold requires demonstrable benefit to the community around Inverness and Loch Ness
- More comfortable visits: Joint working to stagger bookings should ease pressure on roads, piers and facilities — particularly important in shoulder season
- Accessible by design: Inclusion is part of the standard, not an add-on
Jacobite operates from Dochgarroch Lock and Clansman Harbour, with departures linked to Inverness city centre — making it an easy add to itineraries exploring the Great Glen, Urquhart Castle and the wider Highlands.
Source: Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises official announcement (2 Sept 2026) via Green Tourism. For bookings and sustainability details see jacobite.co.uk.
