Ship sets record as biggest to dock

A CRUISE ship has become the largest vessel to berth at a port on the far north coast of Scotland.

The 2024 Scrabster Harbour cruise season started with a record being set this week with the arrival of The AIDASOL.

The 71,000 gross tonnage vessel, operated by AIDA cruises, arrived at 6.30 am on Tuesday at Scrabster, which is the most northerly mainland commercial port in the UK.

A total of 2,071 passengers and 624 crew were aboard the vessel, which is on a 11-night voyage to Scotland and Norway.

The German passengers enjoyed 16 organised excursions to various attractions and locations around Caithness. In addition, Scrabster Harbour Trust provided free shuttle buses to take people into Thurso.

The guests were welcomed at the quayside and in Thurso by an enthusiastic volunteer “meet and greet” team armed with local information.

Prior to departure, the passengers were entertained quayside by the Caithness Junior Pipe band and Highland dancers.

AISASOL has a further two Scrabster calls scheduled for the 2024 cruise season.

Harbour’s trust manager Sandy Mackie said: “The berthing of the AIDASOL is further demonstration of the harbour’s capacity to accommodate larger ships.

“Although our cruise vessel numbers are modest in comparison to some other ports, I am encouraged that we have a number of maiden calls, and the trust will continue to work hard to increase bookings.”