Cruise control

I WAS surprised to read Carolyn Spencer-Brown's views that Scottish tourism officials are failing to promote events and attractions to lure cruise passengers ashore (your report, 12 August).

In Edinburgh, the "Best UK Port of Call 2009", according to Ms Spencer-Brown's website, we recognise the value of cruise passengers to the local economy and expect to welcome 57,500 passengers to our shores in 2010.

Already estimated to be worth some 30 million to the Scottish economy each year, supporting more than 800 jobs, the cruise industry is the fastest growing category in the world travel market.

This is why, last year, the city's key tourism stakeholders, including VisitScotland, Dema, Scottish Enterprise, Etag and Forth Ports, formed Cruise Edinburgh to promote the city to itinerary planners and ensure operators are aware of events coinciding with berthing times.

These efforts are beginning to pay dividends as, today, a remarkable collection of ships will be berthed in the city, including the Seabourn Sojourn, a six-star liner, making her maiden voyage into Leith to join Artemis, Crown Princess and the Delphi.

The convergence of these ships at the peak of cruising season demonstrates the huge contribution that the cruise industry can, and will, make to the capital.

CLLR TOM BUCHANAN

Economic Development Convener

City of Edinburgh Council