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The Press and Journal

11 september 2010

Cromarty ferry heads for port

By Marjo Hallowell

Boat due to be delivered in two weeks - three months late

The new Cromarty ferry is due to arrive at the town in the next two weeks - three months late.

The Cromarty Queen will make the journey north from Southampton and, after a few days instruction for the crew ,will start the 2010 season.

Cromarty Ferry Company managing director Tom Henderson said the delays were out of his control.

He said: "I have done everything I can to advise people it was not yet running, including informing the tourism operators, the National and North Sea Cycle Routes, Pictish Trail and information on the website.

"We had sea trials last week and everything went well, and a few finishing touches are being completed before we bring her up from Southampton. The delays have been frustrating, but it was important to ensure that everything was done properly."

The new ferry will be able to take four cars and 50 passengers each trip and will also accommodate motor homes, which the previous vessel could not.

He said the reaction of visitors and local businesses to the service being delayed underlined the need for a ferry.

As well running between Nigg and Cromarty, the Cromarty Queen will also be able to carry out work within 20 miles anywhere off the British coastline.

Mr Henderson said this work would be carried out in the off-season when the ferry was not operating, and ensured the viability of the business.

He said: "Ideally, we will be able to work on oil rigs in the Cromarty Firth, but we will have the capacity to work outwith the area and we have the necessary work boat certification."

The Cromarty Queen, which was registered in Inverness, will also be available for private charter for functions and for wildlife cruises.

The Cromarty Rose carried 13,000 passengers last year, and Mr Henderson said he could see this number increasing in the ensuing years as the Highland Council subsidises the fares to help keep costs to the users down.


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