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Award-winning Orkney Welcomes Milestone Cruise Visitor

11 August 2016

Orkney’s 750,000 cruise ship passenger stepped ashore in Kirkwall today (10 August) to a real Orcadian welcome.

Paul and Margaret Revis, from London, are passengers on board the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’  Black Watch – which is the 1500th cruise ship to visit Orkney in recent years.

Mr and Mrs Revis were piped ashore and met by Orkney’s Harbour Master, Brian Archibald, who presented them with commemorative gifts.  They were then treated to a private tour of Orkney’s world-famous historic sites, including St Magnus Cathedral, Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. A reception was held on board the ship to mark the occasion, hosted by Ship’s Master, Captain Age Danielsen.

A ‘Taste of the Orkney’ food and drink experience was held on the quayside, and cruise guests were also invited to take part in a Black Watch themed treasure hunt. For the ships departure, quayside entertainment was  provided by the Kirkwall City Pipe band and Just Dance troupe.

Orkney was voted ‘The UK’s Best Port of Call’ in recent cruise industry awards.

Michael Morrison, is Business Development Manager for Orkney Islands Council’s Marine Services.  He said: “ Fred Olsen cruise lines are a strong supporter of the Orkney Islands as a cruise destination and have been coming to Kirkwall for many years as part of their Around Britain and North Atlantic itineraries. We are all quite delighted that the port call of the Black Watch today has delivered this historic double milestone in Orkneys cruise story and we now look forward to the arrival of our one millionth cruise ship passenger in 2020.”

Councillor James Stockan is Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee.  He said: “The growth of the cruise liner industry has had a significant on our economy.  Our studies have shown that the industry injects over £6 million into our economy each year. As this area grows we’ll continue to work with our community to integrate this new industry with the least impact,  getting the best results for everybody.  Orkney wants to welcome the world, and we want the world to welcome us too.”

The 800-passenger Black Watch arrived from Nanortalik, Greenland and is visiting Orkney as part of her 26-night ‘Arctic’ cruise, which set sail from Harwich, Essex on 17th July 2016. From Kirkwall, Black Watch will continue to Tilbury, Essex, for her final stop.