RONDJE NOORDZEE
The Press and Journal
17 juni 2010
New boat marks return of ferry route
By Marjo Hallowell
Cromarty to Nigg link set to resume later this month with evening cruises
The ferry service between Cromarty and Nigg is due to restart for the summer season later this month – with a new boat.
The four-car ferry, which can also carry 50 pedestrians, will replace the old Cromarty Rose, which broke down last year. The 23-year-old ferry suffered an engine fault and needed to be towed to shore last August.
Owner Tom Henderson, 23, of Uldale Farm on the Black Isle, said the maintenance costs for the Cromarty Rose were more than the ferry was worth.
Mr Henderson was able to secure a £50,000 interest-free loan from Highland Opportunities towards the cost of a new boat.
Mr Henderson went to Southampton yesterday to check on its progress.
Speaking before his trip, he said: “It is being built by Southampton Marine Services and was designed by AG Salmon and Co of Argyll.
“It is 56ft long and 21ft wide and features a hydraulic bow ramp and a 360 degree turntable.
“It can travel up to nine knots and, with a high-lift rudder, it will have maximum manoeuvrability in shallow water. We will also be having evening cruises, and in the winter months it can work offshore as it is registered to take up to 12 people 20 miles anywhere off the British coastline.”
The hull has been reinforced so a hydraulic crane can be added for offshore work.
The building of the ferry was monitored by the Maritime Coastal Authority, and Mr Henderson has qualified as a coastal skipper and yacht master, as well as holding a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Agriculture.
He said: “The ferry is a major investment and I am looking forward to the challenge of making it a successful business.”
The boat will be christened when it arrives at Cromarty and the name is currently being registered.
Local residents yesterday welcomed the return of the ferry, which is a popular tourist attraction.
Chairman of the Nigg and Shandwick Community Council Richard Cross, of Lower Pitcalnie, Nigg, said he was delighted to hear it would be running again with an increased capacity.
He said: “Once word gets around it is running again people will be more inclined to use it, and we appreciate it will be a lot more reliable than the previous one.
“It is a great asset to the area, but it would be nice to see the season extended.”
Cromarty Firth councillor Maxine Smith said any investment in new business was good for the region.
She said: “With the ferry running, other businesses can benefit, especially if Nigg takes off again.
“It is good to hear the operator is making it all-encompassing and adaptable, and he should market the leisure cruise aspect as I think that would go well, especially during the summer months.”
The ferry is part of the National and North Sea Cycle Routes and part of the Pictish Trail.
It was commonly known as the King’s Ferry as King James IV used a ferry to cross the firth on his pilgrimage to St Duthus in Tain between 1493 and 1513.
The ferry operates daily from June to September. Evening cruises are also available.
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