Family business is now cruising along
A FAMILY from Connel has added an additional small cruise ship to its fleet – complete with a hot tub.
The Proud Seahorse was introduced to the public at an open day late last month at Dunstaffnage Marina, near Oban. The luxury vessel will join Hebrides Cruises’ other small ship, the Elizabeth G, and take passengers to the remote islands of the Hebrides.
The Proud Seahorse has ensuite cabins. Both vessels hold around 10 guests and both are served by four crew: a skipper, chef, bosun and a wildlife guide.
Speaking at the open day, Emma MacGregor said: ‘It’s a family-run business. We employ up to 15 people. My dad is the skipper and owner and I do all the marketing. My gran makes all the scones for people coming on board.’
Owner and skipper Rob Barlow added: ‘It’s the remote islands that we specialise in. St Kilda is probably the most popular attraction.’
Guests can stay on the Proud Seahorse for anywhere from four to 10 nights.
Rob is hopeful that his business, Hebrides Cruises, and everyone else who makes a living on the water will be able to benefit from the pontoons that are scheduled to be built in Oban bay.
He said: ‘It will be a great thing. It will help big time for all of us. We used to live on Mull and we saw the great things that the harbour did for Tobermory and it could do the same thing here.’