Bid to cash in on Scrabster ferry links

In the wake of Scrabster's reinstatement this summer as an international passenger port, efforts are under way to maximise the spin-offs to Far North businesses.

A seminar today (Wednesday) is designed to help firms fully capitalise on the trade stemming from the weekly sailings of the North Atlantic superferry, Norröna.

Both Scrabster Harbour Trust and the Faroese ferry operators Smyril Line were happy with the traffic on the weekly sailings in and out of the Caithness port. While confident the passenger numbers can grow, they are supporting the drive to help the Far North win more business from the link.

Today's event in Thurso's Park Hotel is being run by the North Highland Tourism Group. It includes delegates from Smyril Line, a Norwegian tour company, VisitScotland and Scottish Development International.

Harbour trust manager Sandy Mackie said yesterday: "We're fully behind efforts to try and stimulate local businesses to fully take advantage of the opportunities on offer and maximise the return to the county."

Both the trust and the ferry company were pleased with the popularity of the restoration of Scrabster to the North Atlantic itinerary after an 11-year gap. During the 11-week run, the 40,000-tonne Norröna carried 6060 passengers, 1810 vehicles and 72 bicycles.

"It was certainly in excess of our expectations," said Mr Mackie. "For the first year it's been very successful and there's potential for much more to happen.

"Events like Wednesday's will also heighten awareness of the opportunities there are for local businesses."

Smyril Line is already committed to using Scrabster next summer on weekly sailings from mid-June to late August.

Meanwhile, the trust is confident that the port will see a steady build-up in its use by visiting cruise liners.

Its promotional campaign continued when Mr Mackie and harbour master Gordon MacKenzie attended the major Sea Trade Europe exhibition in Hamburg at the end of last month.

Efforts are being made to capitalise on trade stemming from the Norröna superferry service.

They were part of the Cruise Scotland stand and targeted EU cruise line operators.

Mr Mackie said: "It was a successful trip and we made a lot of useful contacts. Our success to date has been in the American and luxury round-Britain markets. We intend increasingly targeting European cruise companies operating smaller vessels carrying 300 to 500 passengers.

"The European cruise market is growing rapidly and we're committed to ensuring that Caithness and the North Highlands derive the maximum benefit from it."

The trust has plans to invest in new facilities at the port, catering for disabled passengers, which will benefit those travelling on both cruise ships and scheduled ferries.

Having had seven cruise ships this summer, it already has seven confirmed for 2008. The trust is delighted to have had its first tie-up with Princess Cruises, whose Royal Princess is booked to stop over in September during a 21-day cruise from St Petersburg to Montreal.

Mr Mackie said: "Princess Cruises are widely regarded as the market leaders and attracting them gives us tangible evidence that the five-year strategy we have in place to develop our cruise business is working. Others watch and follow what Princess does and we expect this could be the catalyst for further business."

He said a major plus for Scrabster is the close link the trust has with local tourist attractions, notably the Castle of Mey.