AIDAsol Invergordon visit marks milestone for burgeoning Highland cruise business
THE autumn chill accompanied the last scheduled cruise line visitor of the season to Invergordon this week.
AIDASol arrived on Wednesday amidst a 12-day cruise that started and will end in Hamburg.
Boasting seven decks with cabins, carrying around 2300 passengers and measuring 253 metres, she was the latest in a long line of massive vessels coming and going on the Cromarty Firth.
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The Easter Ross port’s status as gateway to the Highlands has been bolstered during a season that started back at the beginning of April.
Around 116 ships berthed at Invergordon bringing more than 225,000 visitors, many taking pre-arranged shore visits to Highland attractions.
The cruise line industry has been estimated to be worth tens of millions to the Highland economy.
The trade has not been without its controversies though with some locals complaining about the impact on public transport at peak times and others about idling buses outside their homes awaiting passenger arrivals.
What’s your view of the cruise liner trade’s impact on the Highlands? Share your views by emailing newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
