A Scottish Government minister heard about the “huge potential” of two new pontoons in Fort William yesterday as they were officially opened.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop was in Lochaber for the ceremony following the completion of the £170,000 scheme.
Local MSP Kate Forbes said that the 80ft moorings would enable more cruise liners and leisure crafts to take visitors to an area steeped in history and widely recognised as the outdoor capital of Scotland.
Led by Fort William Marina and Shoreline Company (FWMSC), the project was launched after firms had serious difficulties bringing disabled passengers ashore from a cruise liner moored in Loch Linnhe last year.
Earlier in the year, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon heard about the plans during a visit to the Lochaber town.
Ms Forbes said: “Fort William and the wider Lochaber area has huge potential. It’s the outdoor capital of Scotland, it’s an historic attraction and there is plenty to do all year round from skiing in winter to walking in summer.
“With the spectacular views around Loch Linnhe including Ben Nevis, the Fort William area boasts some of the best scenery in Scotland and I think it’s a fabulous idea that we have cruise ships – with hundreds of people on board – coming to anchor at the new pontoons.”
She added that Fort William has already had international visitors from UNESCO, who were visiting the Lochaber Geopark, and took their boat to see sites of geological importance.
Several cruise liners have booked visits for this year and next year.
The 674ft Boudicca is due to visit, with 880 passengers on board, on Wednesday, September 28.
She is also booked to pay return visits on May 10, May 27 and July 18 next year.
Almost 930 passengers are due to arrive on the 642ft Braemar on May 25, and the 674ft Black Watch will bring 804 passengers in on June 15 and August 18.