Invergordon shop trial will return next year
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A SUCCESSFUL trial aimed at capitalising on booming cruise ship tourism and spearheaded by Drumnadrochit business Cobbs is to be rolled out again next year, a port has confirmed.
The Port of Cromarty Firth has invited businesses to lodge expressions of interest in operating a retail outlet for cruise passengers at its Invergordon Service Base next season.
It follows a successful trial season by Cobbs, which approached the port at the start of this year offering to invest time and money to see if a retail outlet at the port would be commercially viable.
It set up a shop selling gifts to passengers and offering a currency exchange service.
The port said the move had been “extremely positive” and it plans to repeat it in 2019. It has now opened up the opportunity to other local businesses who may be interested in operating it. Cobbs has also been invited to reapply.
“We have contacted our cruise stakeholder group, the cruise and crew business group, local community councils and other local business groups outlining the opportunity and asking them to spread the word,” said a port spokesman. “This year’s trial with Cobbs was a tremendous success; encouraging passengers to leave their ships and explore the town.
“The majority of passengers visited the shop and continued up to Invergordon’s High Street, which is what the port hoped to achieve for local retailers. It generated benefits to Cobbs, the port, our visitors and High Street businesses.
“We’re extremely grateful to Cobbs for their foresight and investment. They worked closely with our team, offering good quality Scottish gifts, currency exchange facilities and local stock and produce.
“They also employed local people where they could and played an active role in the community. These are all elements we expect interested operators to continue.”
Details about expressions of interest can be obtained from the port’s office.
