Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon confirms new deal with Highland firm Cobbs for quayside retailer role targetting town's record cruise passenger market
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A MAJOR Easter Ross business has selected a well-known Highland company to operate a popular quayside retail outlet seen by tens of thousands of cruise passengers every year.
Cobbs has been selected by the Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) to operate the outlet for at Invergordon.
PoCF says the appointment follows a procurement exercise and comes as the trust port prepares for the launch of what is expected to be another record-breaking liner season on the Firth.
The deal will continue a successful working relationship between Drumnadrochit-based Cobbs and the Port, first established five years ago.
The retail outlet offers cruise passengers Scottish gifts, local products and currency exchange facilities.
Allison McGuire, PoCF’s cruise manager, said: “The retail outlet is a very important part the services we provide to welcome people arriving in Invergordon on cruise ships from around the word.
“Cobbs is a well-known and respected Highland business and we look forward to again working closely with them during what promises to be another busy cruise season here.”
A record 109 cruise ships visited Invergordon last year, as the industry recovered rapidly in the wake of Covid-19.
That figure is expected to be surpassed this year, with advance bookings pointing to significant increases in calls and passenger numbers.
Fraser Campbell, managing director of Cobbs, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by the PoCF to again operate the retail outlet at Invergordon.
“We have had close and successful working relationship with the port for a number of years now and look forward to that continuing throughout the forthcoming cruise season.”
Cruise liner visits to the Cromarty Firth are expected to contribute more than £20million to the wider Highland economy this year.
