Cruise passenger visitors to Scotland to pass 500,000 mark

CRUISE passengers heading to Scotland are set to hit the 500,000 mark for the first time this year thanks to new lines, including a Disney service.

More than 525,000 passengers on 644 vessels are expected this year. Picture: Contributed

The predicted passenger milestone follows a record-breaking season in 2015 when Scottish ports welcomed 460,546 visitors, up 14.8% on 2014 and the sixth successive annual increase.

A total of 501 cruise ships called at ports around the country, an increase of 9.6% on 2014.

The visits generated an estimated £54.6 million for the Scottish economy through passenger spend, up by about £5.5 million on 2014.

More than 525,000 passengers on 644 vessels are expected this year, according to marketing association Cruise Scotland.

Among the ships planning to visit is a Disney Magic cruise which will call at Greenock, Kirkwall and Invergordon on its first round-Britain voyage.

Cruise Scotland chairman Victor Sandison said: “The continuing growth shows the increasing popularity of Scotland as a destination in a highly-competitive global market.

“This year’s estimated passenger count of over 525,000 will take us around halfway to the annual target of 1.1 million by 2029 - a figure identified in a study carried out in 2010 when there were just over 268,000 cruise visitors.

“Breaking half-a-million passengers will be a great achievement for all involved in marketing, port services and providing a great welcome, from harbours and shops to visitor attractions.”

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