Easter Ross town population set to double within space of 90 minutes
THE population of an Easter Ross town is set to double within the space of 90 minutes on Monday - albeit temporarily.
The arrival of three giant cruise ships in Invergordon tomorrow morning will see an influx of 4,600 passengers, the vast majority set for whistle-stop tours of the Highlands.
The arrivals - which include a maiden visit to the deep water port by the Queen Victoria, carrying 2,000 passengers - are being welcomed as a shot in the arm to the local economy.
Cunard’s Queen Victoria will be berthed at the Admiralty Pier. By calling in at Invergordon she follows in the footsteps of her famous sister ships, the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Queen Mary 2 (QM2).
Mein Schiff pays its second visit of the season and will be berthed at the Invergordon Service Base. This German vessel will be carrying 1,900 passengers.
The third ship in port on Monday is the Marco Polo, a familiar visitor to the Port of Cromarty Firth.
This British ship will be carrying approximately 760 visitors and will berth at Saltburn Pier.
With more than 4,600 visitors arriving at once, Highland businesses have been gearing up in anticipation of a bumper tourist boom.
CEO of the Port of Cromarty Firth, Bob Buskie, said: “This will be a busy day for the Port and for the Highlands. With all three ships arriving between 7.30am and 9am, the team has put in to place a lot of planning ahead of Monday.
"The port is very lucky to be able to accommodate 3 modern cruise ships at once. This brings such benefit to the local economy in the form of direct and indirect spend.”
He added: “The welcome given by the Invergordon community is key to the repeat business the port sees from some respected cruise operators, such as Cunard.”
Cruise development manager for Cruise Highlands Ltd, Captain Iain Dunderdale, said: “Cruise Highlands has worked closely with the Port to ensure a trouble free experience for all on board and for the town of Invergordon.
"We are looking forward to welcoming the Queen Victoria on its maiden voyage to Invergordon.”