Trust signs deal with cruise firm
The Mull-based Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has launched a new way for businesses to help secure the future of the west coast’s cetaceans.
The initiative will also protect the Hebrides’ globally important marine environment, and its first partner is the Argyll-based Majestic Line.
To mark its 25th anniversary next year, the trust is seeking 25 businesses to become corporate partners. Coastal communities throughout the West Coast are brimming with creative businesses and entrepreneurial spirit, many of which are invested in marine heritage.
Gemma Paterson, from Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), said: ‘This initiative offers businesses an opportunity to get involved and support our research, education work and engagement with local communities.
‘We’re delighted to strengthen our relationship with the Majestic Line, which shares our commitment to the Hebridean marine environment and its wildlife. We look forward to working with other like-minded businesses that seek to demonstrate genuine environmental awareness and responsibility, and make an annual donation to support our work.’
The Majestic Line’s fleet of vessels operate from Oban and offer exclusive cruises within the Hebrides, regularly encountering a wealth of marine wildlife.
The company has been working with HWDT for several years, contributing to its research by reporting sightings of cetaceans – the collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoises – and by ensuring it operates responsibly around marine wildlife.
The company’s fleet of three vessels includes two beautifully-restored wooden-hulled fishing trawlers – Glen Massan and Glen Tarsan – that are an iconic sight in Oban and throughout the Hebrides.
Andy Thoms, director of The Majestic Line, added: ‘I am delighted to be strengthening our partnership with HWDT and we are honoured that the Majestic Line has been selected as its first corporate partner. We are indebted to the trust for the conservation work it does and for the education sessions it provides for both our crews and guests.’
As well as helping to safeguard the seas and cetaceans, benefits for businesses joining up will include publicity and exposure, strengthened corporate social and environmental responsibility, and opportunities to engage with the trust’s active supporters.
The HWDT is based at Tobermory and has been leading the way for the conservation of whales, dolphins and porpoises for more than two decades.
Its research – primarily conducted from its specialised research yacht Silurian – has advanced understanding of species that visit seasonally or are resident in the Hebrides.
The charity’s scientific findings are provided to the Scottish Government to inform protection measures for minke whales, Risso’s dolphins, harbour porpoises and basking sharks.
The HWDT also works directly with communities to encourage stewardship of the seas. Its education programmes reach out to more than 20,000 people each year – highlighting the importance of the marine environment and encouraging people to take responsibility for protecting it.
For details about the corporate partnership scheme, contact Gemma Paterson at gemma. paterson@hwdt.orgor see www.hwdt.org