Princess Royal visits new cruise ship terminal built in Greenock in £20m project

HRH The Princess Royal visited the site of a new ocean terminal visitor centre in Inverclyde built as part of a £20m project.

Princess Anne visited the waterside terminal in Greenock six months after its official opening as part of a £20.1m project to allow cruise shops to be docked at the centre.

The visit comes following the celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the MV Hebridean Princess docked in nearby port of Greenock, as the Princess attended a special reception.

Representatives from Inverclyde Council, staff from Peel Ports Clydeport, volunteers with the Inverclyde Tourist Group, members of the board of the George Wyllie Trust and staff from Scotts restaurant were all present.

HRH met with minister Donald Cameron, parliamentary under secretary of state for Scotland, with both the UK government and Scottish Government providing funding for the project though the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

The Princess was given a tour of the pontoon which was created as part of the project.

Drew McKenzie, Provost of Inverclyde said: “I was delighted to welcome The Princess Royal to Greenock ocean terminal visitor centre.

“Even though it was a cloudy Scottish day, the wonderful coastline of Inverclyde speaks for itself and Greenock ocean terminal visitor centre is one of the best places to view it.

“This project was a fine example of partnership working and that continues with various businesses and interests all involved in the running of the building.

“I am sure I speak for many in Inverclyde who are looking forward to the return of the splendid cruise ships to Greenock and this royal visit was a wonderful way to get ready for another bumper season.”

It is estimated the development will provide a £26m boost to the Scottish economy and aims to increase visitor numbers to 150,000 passengers a year.

Jim McSporran, port director at Peel Ports Clydeport, said: “It’s been a real honour to welcome the Princess Royal to Greenock today and to showcase some of our facilities, as well as share with her our ambitious plans for the future at the port.

“It’s been a really special day, and vessels don’t get much more impressive than the MV Hebridean Princess, so it was great to mark the 60^th anniversary of the ship with such an event.

“We’re expecting another strong year for cruise numbers, building on last year’s record numbers, as we continue to look to grow tourist numbers to the terminal in the years ahead.”

The visitor centre was officially opened in August last year and is preparing for a full cruise ship season, which starts in April.

Ken Charleson, managing director of Hebridean Island Cruises, said: “We were delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal back on board Hebridean Princess to help us celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the launch of the vessel.

Princess Anne visits Greenock Inverclyde Council

“Since 1989, Hebridean Princess has established herself as the epitome of luxury, small-ship Scottish cruising, earning an enviable reputation for her renowned level of service and attention to detail.

“We are thrilled that the facilities at the new Greenock ocean terminal visitor centre make embarkation such a comfortable and seamless process for our guests.

“We are proud to be one of the first vessels to use these amenities and for our guests to experience the genuine Scottish welcome that is afforded by all concerned.”