Thurso businesses ‘could do better’ claim
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Retailers in Thurso have been given a mixed report card for how they received passengers from the first couple of cruise ships to berth in Scrabster.
There has been criticism in the past about visitors arriving to find a number of shops and eateries in the town shut.
In a bid to help maximise the spin-offs of the cruise trade to the far north area, Scrabster Harbour Trust organised an event last winter aimed at bringing together local tourist providers and the people who organise the onshore excursions.
Feedback on the arrival of the first two liners was given at Thurso Community Council’s latest meeting.
The 71,304-tonne AIDAsol moored in Thurso Bay on Wednesday, May 17. Passengers were shuttled onshore and returned later in the day.
The ship, operated by AIDA Cruises, has 1097 cabins and can accommodate some 2200 passengers.
The Seabourn Ovation was also at Scrabster for more than 11 hours the previous Sunday.
Treasurer Elspeth Husband said: “It was lovely to see two big liners coming in last week.
“We’ve mentioned before about the lack of a tourist information point but the volunteers who went on the streets did a fantastic job.
“I think some businesses really made an effort but others could maybe do more.”
Mrs Husband said some businesses closed at 3.30pm on the afternoon of May 17, the day the second liner came in.
A total of 22 cruise ships are due to arrive at Scrabster over the course of the summer.
The £18.9 million redevelopment of the St Ola pier is helping Scrabster to attract more cruise-ship and offshore energy business.
