Ross-shire's 'Mr Cruise' honoured for liner work
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A ROSS-SHIRE businessman has been honoured for his contribution to the growth of the European cruise line industry.
Captain Iain Dunderdale, cruise development manager of Invergordon-based Cruise Highlands, has received the Seatrade Outstanding Achievement Award for promoting Scotland’s cruise business for more than 25 years.
The awards were presented at the Seatrade Cruise Awards at the cruise line’s International Association Germany’s annual dinner, held at Elb-Panorama in Hamburg.
The Outstanding Achievement Award is presented in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the growth of the European cruise industry.
With Cpt Dunderdale’s steady hand on the tiller, cruise business at the Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon rose from very humble beginnings in 1989 with one ship calling carrying around 200 passengers.
This season, 57 cruise ships are due to call at the Ross-shire port carrying an estimated 90,000 passengers.
Bob Buskie, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: "Iain has contributed so much to developing the cruise ship market at the port, including this year which is a record breaking year for us, and thoroughly deserves his title of ‘Mr Cruise’ Scotland."
Mr Buskie added: "He has travelled the world for 25 years promoting the Port of Cromarty Firth and the Highlands as the number one cruise destination in Scotland, and has personally helped contribute millions of pounds to the local economy."
Chairman of Cruise Scotland, Victor Sandison, said: "Captain Dunderdale’s tireless work since 1989 on the development of cruise calls at Invergordon and his unwavering belief in Scotland as one of the world’s top cruise destinations; his dogged determination, persistence, patience and detailed planning have undoubtedly helped to foster and grow the cruise business that we all enjoy in Scotland as a whole today, making such an important contribution to the Scottish economy.
"As part of Team Scotland, Iain is very much ‘Mr Cruise’ and is always on hand to provide helpful advice and assistance to our members. We’re absolutely delighted that his achievements have been recognised with the Outstanding Achievement Award."
