Businesses and retailers in Fort William have enjoyed a boost in trade after welcoming the first cruise liner to the West Highland town in 50 years.

Luxury liner Ocean Countess docked in Loch Linnhe early on Monday, along with her 600 passengers and it is hoped her arrival will mark the start of a lucrative tourist venture.

The huge ship was also joined by the world's last sea-going paddle steamer, the Clyde-built Waverley.

Highland Council is keen for the town to be seen as a possible cruise ship destination.

In a boost for the local economy, many of the tourists spent the day in Fort William while others took a trip on the famous steam train which featured in Harry Potter.

Former councillor and local businessman Drew Purdom said: "If we can produce a successful climate for people to come, meet, enjoy and go back with good impressions then I think we'll have achieved what we set out to do."

It has not all been plain sailing implementing the new tourism plan - ten days ago another cruise liner, the Marco Polo, cancelled its visit to the town because of difficulties in navigating the ship through a tricky area known as the Corran Narrows.

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