Milestone cruise visitor steps ashore at Kirkwall

The county’s 750,000th cruise ship passenger stepped ashore in Kirkwall today, Wednesday, to a special Orcadian welcome.

Paul and Margaret Revis, from London, were passengers on board the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Black Watch – the 1,500th cruise ship to visit Orkney in recent years.

They 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 the 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 ship’s departure, quayside entertainment was provided by the Kirkwall City Pipe band and Just Dance troupe.

Michael Morrison, business development manager for OIC Marine Services, 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 Orkney’s cruise story and we now look forward to the arrival of our one millionth cruise ship passenger in 2020.”

Councillor James Stockan, chairman of the OIC’s development and infrastructure committee, added: “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.”