First large cruise liner of season drops anchor in Loch Linnhe
There was a warm Fort William welcome for the captain, crew and passengers of the first large cruise liner to drop anchor in Loch Linnhe this season.
Sara Kennedy, company secretary of the Fort William Marina and Shoreline Community Interest Company, commented on the visit of the MS Maud, which carries up to 530 passengers, to the Lochaber Times this week, saying: ‘We were really delighted with how the whole visit from MS Maud went and the weather was amazing, which always cheers folk up. The passengers and crew loved being greeted by the piper - Laura Robertson - and they were toe tapping and dancing when the first tender came alongside.
‘Quite a few visited the museum, some walked to Inverlochy Castle or got the train to Mallaig, while others went on
Pam Weller of Nevis Radio presented a picture of Ben Nevis to Captain Erik Eng and his crew on their maiden visit to Fort William. The trip was organised by Sara Kennedy of Fort William Marine and Shoreline Association. the organised tours up to Nevis attraction too.’ Range, walked to Steall Falls Mrs Kennedy added that or a scenic drive to Glencoe. captain of the 16,000-ton MS The SSDT trial bikes parade Maud, Captain Erik Eng, was through the town was quite an ‘delighted’ with his gift, which was presented by Pam Weller, of Nevis Radio, as no officials or local councillors were available.
The presentation was of a beautiful painting of Ben Nevis and Fort William by Chris Evans, which was kindly donated by Drew Purdon from the House of Clan Jamfrie.
Captain Eng was also given a bottle of Ben Nevis whisky, a jar of local Lochaber Honey, a candle made from local beeswax and also a handwritten card with a photograph of Ben Nevis welcoming him, his passengers and crew to Fort William.
The captain and a lot of the crew also came on shore to enjoy all that was happening in the town and there were clearly a lot of happy purchases being taken back on board.
Mrs Kennedy added: ‘The MS Maud is scheduled to come back three times this year and we look forward to welcoming the largest number of cruise ships coming to Fort William – 18 this year.’